A Bangladeshi cargo vessel carrying fly ash capsized in the Muriganga River in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district on Wednesday. All 12 crew members on board were rescued safely, police officials said.

The vessel, identified as MV Tamjid Nasir (also referred to as MV Tamjeed Nasir), was travelling from Budge Budge in West Bengal to Khulna in Bangladesh when the incident occurred midstream near the Kachuberia area, close to Sagar Island.

Authorities confirmed that the crew included 11 Bangladeshi nationals and one Indian.

Officials said the vessel encountered trouble while navigating the Muriganga River, an important inland waterway between India and Bangladesh.

Preliminary information suggests the ship may have suffered a mechanical failure, causing it to lose control amid strong river currents.

In another account, authorities indicated that the vessel may have struck a submerged sandbar.

Police sources said the impact or technical fault caused damage to the vessel’s lower section, allowing water to enter rapidly. As the situation worsened, the crew sent out a distress call.

Nearby vessels and local fishermen responded quickly and alerted Sagar Police Station.

A joint rescue operation by police personnel and fishermen followed, and all crew members were safely evacuated.

Officials said none of the sailors were injured and all were given first aid.

The incident raised concerns due to the nature of the cargo. Fly ash contains heavy metals that can contaminate water and harm aquatic life.

The Muriganga River forms part of the Sundarbans estuary, an environmentally sensitive region.

Local fishermen’s representatives expressed concern that such incidents could severely affect fish populations in the area.

They indicated that when fly ash spills occur in this part of the delta, fishing activity declines sharply for several months. They also warned that a capsized vessel poses risks to fishing boats and nets in the vicinity.

Authorities said the Environment Department has been informed and water samples are being collected to check for pollution. Officials are also investigating whether any oil or hazardous material leaked into the river.

River traffic on the Muriganga was temporarily affected, with several cargo vessels and passenger boats diverted to alternative routes. Officials said arrangements are being made to salvage the vessel as soon as possible.

Cargo movement along this route operates under an inland waterways agreement signed between India and Bangladesh in 1972.

References: The Hindu, hindustantimes

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