Barisal-Ctg waterway link snapped

Only BIWTC sea trucks are allowed to ply the risky route through turbulent waters during the March-October period of flood and storm. Small launches are banned during the period.

BIWTC sea truck Khizir-8 left Barisal Friday morning for Laxmipur via Ilisha in Bhola with over 300 passengers.

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At about 11 AM, just after leaving the Ilisha ghat, one of its two engines went out of order. It reached Laxmipur about two hours behind schedule.

It left Laxmipur with about 500 passengers and crossed the Meghna estuary, the most risky portion of the route, with one engine. It reached Barisal several hours behind schedule.

BIWTC officials here declared its service postponed. The ships propeller shaft is broken.

They could not say when the ship will be repaired and put into service.