Ferry Sinks In Meghna River In Bangladesh, Four Dead And Several Missing As Search Teams Deploy Boats

Dhaka, Bangladesh— A passenger ferry sank in the Meghna River on November 1, 2026, leaving four people dead and several others missing after the vessel capsized in strong currents.

The ferry, MV Farhan-3, was traveling from Chandpur to Dhaka with more than 60 passengers on board. Around 11 a.m., near the confluence of the Meghna and Dakatia rivers, it was hit by a large wake from a cargo vessel. The ferry listed, took water, and sank within minutes.

Local boatmen and fishermen were first to respond. They pulled more than 40 people from the water. Four bodies, including a child, were recovered by evening. At least eight passengers remain missing, according to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority.

"The ferry was overcrowded and had no proper passenger list. When it tilted, people panicked and rushed to one side," a survivor said from a riverbank shelter. He said many passengers could not swim and were not wearing life jackets.

Ferry accidents are frequent in Bangladesh. Vessels are often old, poorly maintained, and overloaded. Safety inspections are lax. Operators frequently ignore weather warnings. The Meghna, with its strong currents and heavy traffic, is especially dangerous.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard and Fire Service deployed divers and rescue vessels. Strong currents hampered search efforts. Relatives gathered at the Chandpur launch terminal, shouting names and waiting for news.

BIWTA officials said the ferry had a valid fitness certificate until December but may have been carrying more than its rated capacity. The master and crew are being questioned. A four-member probe committee was formed to investigate within seven days.

The Ministry of Shipping announced compensation of 150,000 taka for families of the dead. Opposition parties called for stricter enforcement of safety rules and criminal charges for negligent operators.

Divers will continue searching Sunday morning. The sunken hull has been located at 12 meters depth. Plans are underway to lift it once the missing are accounted for.

The river route remains open but with increased patrols. Officials warned passengers to avoid overcrowded vessels and wear life jackets.