What Crew Members Say About Observator

In a maritime mishap that unfolded on April 14, 2018, at 10 p.m., the lighter vessel 'Bilash' sank while transporting coal in the waters of Mongla, located in Bagerhat’s Harbaria area. The incident began when the bulk carrier 'Observator' anchored at Haribaria – 6 and transferred a substantial load of 775 metric tonnes of coal to the 'Bilash', which has a total capacity of 1,000 metric tonnes. On its journey towards Dhaka’s Mirpur, the 'Bilash' unfortunately ran aground on a sandbar in the Sundarbans, situated nearly 60 nautical miles from Harbaria-5. The crew promptly alerted the port authorities for assistance. The vessel 'Shib Sha' was dispatched to the scene for a rescue attempt, but the rising tides caused unforeseen complications. By approximately 3 a.m., the 'Bilash' capsized and ultimately sank. Thankfully, the coal cargo remained intact, and there were no immediate environmental concerns reported. Recovery operations are currently underway, with portions of the sunken lighter still visible above the waterline.