Munshiganj, Bangladesh (BBN)-The operation for rescuing sunken launch, Pinak 6, was called off Monday, eight days after the launch capsized in the Padma River.
The launch carrying over 200 passengers against the capacity of 85 capsized in the middle of the river near Mawa Terminal in Lauhajang upazila of Munshiganj, a central district of Bangladesh, last Monday.
Saiful Hasan Badal, deputy commissioner of Munshiganj, announced the closure of the search operation during a press conference Monday morning.
The DC, however, said other activities such as recovery of bodies in the river would be continued.
According to local administration, 46 bodies were found floating on different parts of the river including Bhola, Shariatpur, Barisal, Chandpur, Mawa in Munshiganj, Laxmipur and Madaripur districts.
Meanwhile, 61 more passengers who still remain missing are presumed as dead by the authorities.
The bodies are believed to be trapped inside the sunken launch.
BBN/JI/AD-11Aug14-11:50am (BST)
