Fly Ash-Laden Vessel Partially Sinks in Muriganga River, Crew Rescued
A Bangladeshi cargo barge carrying a substantial load of fly ash encountered a serious mechanical failure and partially sank in the Muriganga river near Ghoramara Island on Wednesday afternoon. The incident has triggered significant environmental concerns about potential contamination of the aquatic ecosystem with heavy metals present in fly ash.
Timeline of the Accident and Rescue Operation
The vessel, identified as MV Tamjid Nasir, had departed from Budge Budge two days prior to the accident and was en route to Khulna in Bangladesh. While navigating the shipping channel between Kakdwip and the Muriganga char area, after crossing Kachuberia Ghat, the barge reportedly developed a sudden mechanical fault.
This malfunction caused the vessel to lurch dangerously to one side before it rammed into a sandhead on its right side. The impact created a breach in the hull, allowing water to rush in rapidly. Within a short time, approximately 70% of the barge had submerged, creating a panic situation among the crew members on board.
A swift rescue operation was launched by the Sagar Police Station, led by Officer-in-Charge Arpan Nayek. The team successfully rescued all 11 crew members from the sinking vessel. Temporary arrangements for food and shelter were made for them on a boat in the river before they were later transferred to another Bangladeshi vessel and sent toward Namkhana.
Environmental Concerns and Expert Warnings
The incident has raised alarm bells among environmental scientists and local authorities about the potential contamination of river water with fly ash. Fly ash is known to contain various heavy metals that could pose severe risks to aquatic biodiversity and public health.
"Fly ash is known to contain heavy metals. If fly ash mixes with river water, it can enter the food chain through the aquatic ecosystem. This means the contaminants may pass from water to fish and eventually to humans," explained Debashish De, principal scientist and head of the Kakdwip Research Centre at ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture.
He further elaborated that the presence of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, chromium, and zinc—especially when they occur together—can create severe environmental and public health risks. Long-term exposure to such contamination can lead to various health problems and even increase cancer risks.
Official Statements and Ongoing Response
Sundarbans Police District Superintendent Koteswara Rao confirmed the incident, stating, "A cargo ship from Kolkata port to Bangladesh suddenly sank due to a mechanical malfunction between Ghoramara Island and Kachuberia. The Sagar police safely rescued all the people on board the ship."
Sagar Block Development Officer Kanaiya Kumar Rai emphasized that immediate steps were taken upon receiving news of the accident. "Even as we kept a watch, alerted police. Cops took prompt, necessary measures," he stated.
Officials from concerned agencies have visited the site to assess the extent of damage, and authorities are now deliberating on plans to salvage the barge and remove the fly ash cargo to prevent further environmental damage.
Broader Concerns About River Safety
The accident has also highlighted broader concerns about river safety and pollution in the area. Satinath Patra, secretary of a local fishermen's organization, expressed worry about repeated accidents, stating, "Repeated mishaps are causing river pollution. The level of siltation in the river is increasing."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between industrial transportation and environmental protection in ecologically sensitive areas like the Sundarbans region.
