Fire Service diver missing after falling from speedboat in Shitalakshya

Md. Sadiq, a state medal-winning diver of the Fire Service and Civil Defense, has gone missing after falling from a speedboat while on duty in the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj. A joint operation is underway to rescue him by diving teams of the Fire Service, Navy, Coast Guard and BIWTA.

The incident took place around 11 am on Thursday (July 16) at the fire jetty of the Shitalakshya River in the city's Nitaiganj area.

Narayanganj Fire Service Assistant Deputy Director Abdullah Al Arefin said that work was underway to clean the accumulated mud at the fire jetty. At that time, divers Sadiq, Shamsul and speedboat driver Sajal were on duty together. At one stage of the work, Sadiq fell from the speedboat into the river and drowned.

Immediately after the incident, members of the Fire Service's diving team, BIWTA, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard launched a rescue operation. According to the latest information, the operation to rescue the missing diver is ongoing.

The Fire Service said that Md. Sadiq is the son of Ashraf Sheikh of Kumrakandi village in Rajbari district. He is an experienced diver of the Narayanganj River Fire Station. He had won the state medal in recognition of his bravery and important contribution in various rescue operations.

Assistant Deputy Director Abdullah Al Arefin said that Sadiq was a skilled and responsible diver. The rescue team is making every effort to rescue him quickly.