2 launches collide head-on in Meghna River amid dense fog

Two passenger launches collided head-on in the Meghna River amid dense fog in the early hours of today (22 December), leaving both vessels severely damaged.

However, Abdur Razzak, deputy director of BIWTA and Barishal River Port officer, said none of the passengers were harmed in the incident that occurred at around 3:15am in the Harina area of Chandpur.

The vessels involved were the MV Kirtonkhola-10 and the Prince Awlad-10.

"Kirtonkhola-10 departed from Barishal for Dhaka with passengers, while Prince Awlad-10 was on its way to Barishal from the capital. The collision happened in the Meghna River due to poor visibility caused by dense fog," he said.

According to the crews of the launches, the dense fog obscured visibility, leaving the two vessels unable to avoid the collision in time. The front sections of both launches were severely damaged as a result.

Mehedi Hasan, a passenger aboard Kirtonkhola-10, described the terrifying experience over the phone, "We were sleeping when suddenly there was a massive jolt, and the launch tilted sharply. Panic spread instantly.

"At first, we did not realise what had happened, but upon rushing to the front, we saw that the launch had collided with another launch."

Another passenger, Farzana, who was on Prince Awlad-10, recounted, saying, "We were lying on the front deck. Around 2:30-3am, a loud noise shook our entire launch. Everyone screamed in panic. It was a terrifying experience. We feel fortunate to have survived."

Both vessels are modern and luxury launches equipped with advanced technology, making the accident even more alarming, said passengers.