Doulotdia Ferry Tragedy Rescue Operation Enters Third Day

The ongoing rescue operation following a tragic bus sinking incident at Doulotdia ferry terminal has entered its third consecutive day, with authorities continuing search efforts despite not recovering any additional bodies on Friday.

The renewed operation was launched in the morning in response to a fresh missing-person claim lodged by a woman, prompting officials to re-examine the riverine accident site as a precautionary measure.

New missing-person claim triggers renewed search

The search was initiated following an appeal by Mukta Khatun, who reported that her brother, Ripon Sheikh (40), a resident of Arkandi village in Baliakandi upazila of Rajbari district, had gone missing.

According to her account, her brother—who works as a brick kiln labourer in the Gabtoli area of Dhaka—had left home on Wednesday after the Eid holidays to return to his workplace. However, since his departure, there has been no contact with him, raising concerns among family members.

She further stated that she had informed local authorities in Rajbari, following which rescue teams were deployed to the Doulotdia ferry terminal area on Friday morning to verify whether he might have been among the victims or passengers involved in the submerged bus.

Later, she was reportedly informed by an official that no individual matching her brother’s description is believed to have boarded the accident-involved vehicle. The family also noted that Ripon Sheikh suffers from occasional mental health issues, which has added to the uncertainty surrounding his disappearance.

Ongoing recovery efforts and official updates

Rajbari Fire Service Deputy Director Md Sohel Rana confirmed that joint rescue operations involving the Bangladesh Navy, Fire Service, and Coast Guard have so far recovered a total of 26 bodies from the river since the incident occurred.

He stated that the recovered bodies had been handed over to their respective families through the district administration following identification procedures.

“Up to Thursday, 26 bodies have been recovered through coordinated efforts by the naval, fire service, and coast guard rescue teams,” he said. “Following the new claim, the search was resumed again on Friday morning.”

Ferry capacity and casualty assessment

Authorities have also provided details regarding the estimated number of passengers and survivors based on preliminary assessments.

Local administration statement

Goaland Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sathi Das stated that, based on available information, the total number of passengers is believed to be consistent with those already accounted for.

She noted that approximately 26 bodies have been recovered, while an estimated five to seven passengers managed to swim ashore following the accident. Additionally, some passengers are believed to have disembarked prior to the vessel’s final journey.

“Given the available data, it is likely that no additional passengers remain missing,” she said. “However, our rescue teams remain fully prepared and will continue operations if any further reports of missing persons are received.”

Continued vigilance at accident site

Despite the absence of new recoveries, authorities have maintained that search and monitoring operations will continue as a precautionary measure. Rescue teams remain stationed at the site, ensuring rapid response capability in case of any emerging claims or new evidence.

Officials reiterated their commitment to completing verification processes thoroughly, ensuring that all possible victims are accounted for while maintaining coordination among naval, fire service, and coast guard units involved in the operation.

The tragic incident continues to draw attention locally, with families awaiting final confirmation regarding missing relatives as authorities work to conclude one of the region’s most complex river rescue operations in recent times.