BIWTA capable of salvaging MV Shah Amanat: Chairman

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is capable of salvaging the Ro-Ro ferry, the Shah Amanat, and if needed the ferry will be rescued using private salvage vessel, said its Chairman Commodore Golam Sadeq on Friday.

"Vehicles that are still submerged in the water need to be salvaged first," he said.

BIWTA chairman made this remark while inspecting the salvage operation on the 3rd day at the Paturia Ferry Terminal.

"Besides BIWTA salvage vessel Hamza, another vassel 'Rustam', instead of 'Prattoy', is being brought from Shimulia and it will reach Paturia by Friday evening," said the BIWTA chairman.

He also said only four trucks are yet to be salvaged. "I hope the vehicles will be salvaged by tomorrow."

Earlier on Wednesday morning, the MV Shah Amanat capsized near Paturia's fifth ferry terminal while preparing to dock. It was carrying 14 goods-laden trucks and four motorcycles at the time.

On the following day, the Shipping Ministry and Manikganj Deputy Commissioner formed two separate committees to investigate the incident.