Lighterage vessel detained

CPA Magistrate Mohammad Munir Chowdhury, who conducted the drive, also detained all the documents including survey certificate of the vessel MV Gazipur, and ordered immediate unloading of about 1000 MT cement clinkers from it.

Tipped off, the magistrate conducted the drive at the estuary of Karnaphuli river at Patenga and detained the vessel at the jetty of Diamond Cement Company Ltd.

The master of the vessel was penalised as per CPA act, they said.

Officials of Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) inspected the vessel and found to their utter surprise that the vessel was overloaded 11 inches up from its 'Load Line' mark which was an illegal act and a very risky practice for both the vessel and the port channel, sources said.

"Besides, the vessel was not at all fit for navigation and we wondered how its owner obtained the survey certificate from the office of the Directorate General of Shipping," said an official of MMD.