Steel-laden lighter vessel partially capsizes on Karnaphuli River

A lighter vessel carrying 900 tonnes of imported steel scrap partially capsized on the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram city's Banglabazar area early today, river police said.

The vessel, MV Titu-8, owned by Abul Khaer Carriers, began taking in water near Jhut Rally Ghat around 11:00pm last night after a crack developed in its bottom, said Sub-Inspector Md Ariful Islam of Sadarghat River Police Station.

The damage occurred when the vessel collided with another vessel while berthing at the ghat, he said.

After loading the steel scrap from a mother vessel at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port, the lighter vessel arrived at Banglabazar for unloading, according to police.

All 13 crew members managed to safely disembark, the sub-inspector said, adding that the vessel partially sank after midnight due to high tide.

Kabir Ahmed, master of the vessel, said water started entering the vessel shortly after berthing.

"We quickly secured the vessel at the ghat and began unloading the cargo with a crane," he said.

He added that the vessel partially submerged during high tide but later rose after a significant portion of the cargo was unloaded.

An official of Abul Khaer Carriers said the vessel would be salvaged and taken to a dockyard for repairs after the unloading is completed.