Divers from a newly-hired private company launched their operation on Monday to help salvage the sunken ferry Shah Amanat a week after it went down with several vehicles on it at Paturia terminal here.

A team of divers from Genuine Enterprise made several sorties into the sunken vessel surveying its location and latest condition in preparation of the recovery operation, said Ajay Debnath, manager of the company.

He said that two winch machines will reach the scene within two days from Chattogram to join the operation.

Divers working in the mission said huge amount of silt has deposited in the under-water vessel, while it's loaded with heavy iron goods at the bottom. It will take more time to search the ferry properly, they said.

Also read: BIWTA capable of salvaging MV Shah Amanat: Chairman

Deputy Director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Mohammad Selim said the private organization will conduct the salvage operation under the supervision of BIWTA.

So far, eight covered vans, six trucks and five motorcycles were pulled out of water since the ferry careened and sank on Wednesday at Paturia terminal.

Meanwhile, the salvaged vehicles have been handed over to the owners. However, the owners complained that the goods in the truck were not recovered. The owners also demanded compensation.

Also read: MV Shah Amanat: Salvage operation suspended again

Earlier on Wednesday morning, the MV Shah Amanat capsized near Paturia's fifth ferry terminal while preparing to dock. It was carrying 14 goods-laden trucks and four motorcycles at the time.

On the following day, the shipping ministry and Manikganj deputy commissioner formed two separate committees to investigate the incident.