RAJSHAHI, July 30 (V7N) – A father and his son remain missing after an engine-powered boat capsized in the Padma River in Rajshahi on Tuesday, while six other passengers were rescued alive.
The accident occurred at around 12:40pm in the middle of the river as the boat was travelling from Char Majardia to the Lalon Shah Mukta Mancha area carrying eight passengers and a load of jhau trees.
The missing individuals have been identified as Afchar Ali and his son, Ziarul Haque, residents of the Shyampur area under Katakhali Police Station in Rajshahi. Local sources also referred to the father as Kawsar Ali. Their identities have not yet been officially clarified by the authorities.
According to witnesses, the boat lost control after being struck by strong waves before sinking into the river. Boat operators waiting near the Padma Garden riverbank and local residents immediately launched a rescue effort, managing to pull six passengers to safety.
After receiving the information, a diving team from the Fire Service and Civil Defence arrived at the scene and began a search operation. As of the latest update, the missing father and son had not been found, and the search continued at multiple locations along the river.
Officials from Rajshahi City Corporation also visited the site following the incident. Acting on the instructions of City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, a delegation monitored the rescue efforts and coordinated with the Fire Service, local administration, and other emergency responders.
Authorities said the rescue operation will continue until the missing individuals are located.
END/MRA/SMA/
