Trawler Sinks in Meghna, 300 Tons of Salt Lost
In a dramatic incident on January 2, 2026, a trawler carrying 300 tons of salt sank in the Meghna River near Bhola Sadar after colliding with a cargo ship. Fortunately, all seven crew members were rescued unharmed, but the entire shipment of salt was lost to the river. The accident has raised concerns about safety in the area, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Collision Details and Rescue Efforts
The trawler, identified as MV Diloya-3, was en route from Kutubdia in Cox’s Bazar to Jailkhana Ghat in Khulna when it encountered dense fog. According to the vessel’s master, Md Belal Uddin, and laborer Md. Azizul Islam, visibility was severely limited, which contributed to the collision with a cargo ship. Despite the crew’s efforts to navigate towards the shore, the trawler took on water and ultimately sank before they could reach safety.
All seven individuals aboard managed to escape using a small boat attached to the trawler and successfully reached the riverbank. Thankfully, no injuries or disappearances were reported. However, the owners of the trawler have estimated their financial loss at approximately Taka 50 lakh due to the incident. In response to the sinking, members of the Coast Guard South Zone and the Naval Police have initiated recovery operations to salvage the sunken vessel.
Community Concerns and Calls for Action
Local residents in the Tulatuli area have expressed growing concerns regarding the safety of the naval channel, particularly during the winter months when fog and poor visibility are common. They reported that various watercraft, including cargo ships, trawlers, and passenger launches, frequently disregard government restrictions, leading to repeated accidents. This incident has further highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
Additionally, residents pointed out that illegal sand extraction by numerous dredgers in the region poses significant hazards for navigating vessels. They are urging the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) to take immediate action to regulate traffic and enhance safety measures in the channel. The loss of the salt cargo serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present in the waterway, prompting calls for urgent intervention to prevent future incidents.
