Work to salvage the coal-laden cargo vessel which capsized in the Pashur River of the Sundarbans under Mongla upazila resumed yesterday after a suspension of nine days, reports UNB. The rescue work that began on April 20 was suspended on May 10 after 400 tonnes of coal were removed from the sunken vessel in 21 days.

On April 14, 'MV-Bilash' carrying 775 tonnes of coal capsized in the Pashur River in the Sundarbans. The incident occurred as the ship ran aground in a hidden shoal as it followed a wrong route. Sohrab Hossain, chief of divers from the salvage team, said the entire vessel remained under water with a crack in the bottom. Two cranes will be used to lift it ashore in two parts, he said, adding that it might take eight more days.

Sohrab also said there is no coal in the capsized vessel as around 300 tonnes were washed away by tidal surge. A case was filed accusing nine persons over the capsize of the coal-laden cargo vessel after the incident. Shahin Kabir, Chandpai Range forest officer of the Sundarbans, said as of April 26, the case cited damages to the biodiversity worth Tk 12.40 lakh, which may increase.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Division Mahmudul Hasan said although the vessel's capacity was 172 tonnes, it was carrying over 775 tonnes coal when the accident took place.