39 bodies recovered, launch salvaged in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Feb 29 (UNI) The death toll in yesterday's launch capsize in Bangladesh's Buriganga river has gone up to 39 with seven more bodies being recovered today.

The launch, carrying 150 passengers, was hit by a sand-carrying cargo sank near Postogola Buriganga Bridge.

The vessel was pulled out by salvaging ship 'Rustam' at about 0515 hrs (local time) this morning after more than seven hours of frantic efforts.

Seven bodies were found inside the sunken launch raising the death toll to 39. Of the dead 18 are women, 12 men and 9 children.

Each of the victim's family will be given 20,000 taka as compensation by the authorities concerned.

Police, Fire Brigade and Coast Guard divers joined the rescue operation immediately after the accident and recovered the bodies.

A five-member inquiry committee set up to go into the causes for the accident will submit its report within next five days.

UNI XC SZ PM0945