Photo : BSS

BHOLA, Jan 2, 2026 (BSS) - A trawler carrying 300 tons of salt sank today in the Meghna River near the Tulatuli area of Bhola Sadar after being struck by a cargo ship. 

While all seven people on board were rescued alive, the entire shipment of salt dissolved into the river water.

The trawler, identified as MV Diloya-3, was route from Kutubdia in Cox’s Bazar to Jailkhana Ghat in Khulna. 

According to the trawler’s master, Md Belal Uddin, and labourer Md. Azizul Islam, the vessel encountered dense fog while navigating the Meghna. During this time, a cargo ship collided with the trawler, causing it to take on water. 

Although the crew attempted to steer the vessel toward the shore, it sank before reaching safety.

The seven individuals on board managed to reach the riverbank using a small boat attached to the trawler. No injuries or disappearances were reported; however, the owners have claim the accident has resulted in a financial loss of approximately Taka 50 lakh.

Members of the Coast Guard South Zone and the Naval Police arrived at the scene to begin recovery operations.
 
Syed Ashikur Rahman, the Officer-in-Charge of Ilisha Naval Police Station, confirmed that efforts are underway to salvage the sunken vessel.

Local residents of the Tulatuli area have raised concerns regarding the safety of the naval channel. They reported that despite heavy fog and extreme winter conditions, various watercraft — including cargo ships, trawlers, and passenger launches—frequently ignore government restrictions, leading to recurring accidents. 

Furthermore, locals pointed out that illegal sand extraction by numerous dredgers in the region creates significant obstacles for moving vessels. The residents have called for immediate intervention from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) to regulate traffic and ensure safety in the channel.

The sudden disappearance of the cargo is much like a spoonful of sugar in a hot cup of tea; once the vessel breached, the river's vast currents ensured the salt vanished into the water almost instantly, leaving nothing for the merchants to recover.