Chittagong Waterway Tragedy: Three Dead and Eight Missing Following River Barge Collision Incident

Chittagong, Bangladesh—Rescuers deployed search boats across the river channel early Sunday following a direct collision between a wooden passenger ferry and a steel cargo barge. Emergency teams confirmed three bodies were pulled from the water, while divers continue searching for eight missing commuters.

The impact occurred in low visibility, causing the overburdened passenger craft to list violently before filling with water. Witnesses on nearby riverbanks described hearing a sharp crunch before passengers were thrown directly into the strong current.

Local boatmen managed to pull several struggling survivors from the river before official rescue units arrived on scene. Paramedics established a emergency triage area along the embankment to treat injured survivors for hypothermia and water inhalation.

Coast Guard personnel along with river police units secured the surrounding waterway, halting commercial traffic through the primary shipping channel. Heavy machinery was brought to the bank to assist in stabilizing the half-submerged vessel.

"Navigational teams are currently utilizing sonar devices to scan the riverbed where the vessel foundered," a Chittagong port authority official said in an afternoon statement.

Families gathered along the muddy banks as rescue divers took turns descending into the murky water to inspect the submerged hull. Search lights cut through the river haze while recovery teams dragged nets across downstream stretches.

Port traffic officers have detained the crew of the cargo barge for questioning regarding operational speeds and lighting setup at the time of the crash. Investigators are reviewing vessel registration logs and safety certificates for both rivercraft.

Rescue operations face mounting difficulties as shifting river currents push debris further down the channel away from the original crash site. Authorities have expanded the search zone to cover neighboring downstream tributaries.

The identities of the three deceased passengers have been confirmed by medical examiners and released to immediate family members.

Search efforts for the eight missing individuals will continue through the night using searchlights and coastal patrol vessels.