The death toll in the tragic incident involving a fertiliser-laden cargo ship ‘MV Al-Bakherah of Brishti Enterprises’ on the Meghna River in Chandpur rose to seven on Monday afternoon, after two people succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at Chandpur Upazila Health Complex.
"They died while undergoing treatment at the hospital," said Sudipta Roy, Additional Superintendent of Chandpur Police of the district.
Earlier, police had recovered five bodies and rescued three critically injured individuals from the vessel in the Ishanbala area.
Of the rescued people, two passed away, while the remaining injured person continues to receive treatment at the hospital.
The victims have been identified as Master Kibria, engine driver Salauddin, helmsman Aminul Munshi, and greasers Sajibul, Azizul, and Majedul Islam. The name of one of the deceased is yet to be confirmed.
The injured individual has been identified as Jewel. All of the victims and the injured are residents of Narail district.
Naval police suspected that they may have come under attack during the night.
Master Bachchu Mia and greaser Md Masud, from Brishti Enterprise's other ship, Mugni-3, said that the vessel Al-Bakherah, which was carrying fertiliser, left Chittagong at 8am on Sunday.
Later, the company's owner, Shipon, attempted to contact the Al Bakherah but received no response.
Concerned about the loss of communication, he instructed the Mugni-3 crew to reach out. When the Mugni-3 staff spotted Al Bakherah near Mawa, they found the ship drifting and the bodies of the victims in a pool of blood. They immediately called emergency services at 999.
Upon receiving the call, the Coast Guard and Naval Police from Chandpur arrived at the scene and recovered the bodies.
Dr. Anisur Rahman, the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) at Chandpur Government General Hospital, said that one of the injured, Jewel, suffered head and neck injuries from a sharp weapon. After receiving initial treatment, Jewel was sent to Dhaka for advanced care.
Syed Mushfiqur Rahman, Superintendent of Chandpur Naval Police, mentioned that it is believed the victims may have been killed in an attempt to prevent a robbery on the ship. A thorough investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Chandpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Mohsin Uddin visited the scene and shared that one of the injured individuals communicated through a hand gesture, indicating there were eight people involved.
The cause of the attack and further details remain under investigation.
DC Mohsin Uddin also said that he had spoken with the naval police and the coast guard regarding security, as ships regularly travel on this route.
He emphasised the need to strengthen security measures to ensure the safety of the area.
This tragic event has left the local community in shock, as officials work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths.