Rescue and Emergency Management of a Water-Related Disaster: A Bangladeshi Experience

Background: The Padma, one of the largest rivers in the world, is crossed by thousands of people every day by boat or launch (a local made ferry). However, the number of launches is insufficient, and launches are frequently overloaded with passengers. The authorities do not strictly enforce waterway rules. On 22 February 2015, a cargo vessel hit a launch carrying over 200 passengers in the Padma near Paturia launch terminal, Manikganj, Bangladesh. At least 79 people including 14 children and 28 women died and over 50 went missing. Here we examine the rescue process and emergency management services during this event.

Methods: Qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and reviews of the daily national newspaper reports on the disaster event and related documents were performed.

Results: At 11:40 am, the launch sank in middle of the river 15 minutes after it had left the terminal after collision with a cargo vessel. The launch was carrying 200 passengers even though its capacity was 140. Around 100 passengers were either rescued or swam about half a kilometer to reach the shore. Locals started rescuing passengers immediately after the accident with the help of boats and trawlers from both sides. Around 150 members of different government rescue agencies participated in the rescue operation from 12:00 noon to midnight. A rescue vessel reached the accident site at around 11.00 pm to salvage the sunken vessel. After 24 hours of rescue operations, 70 bodies were handed over to family members.

Conclusion: Emergency management was inadequate, and the launch authorities did not take appropriate measures to rescue passengers from drowning. Mass public awareness is essential to enforce the rules for safe river crossing. A national level policy is required for mass rescue during water-related disasters.