A lighterage ship carrying ball clay, a key raw material for ceramics, sank at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port on Friday. Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Oct 18, 2025 (BSS) - A lighterage ship carrying ball clay, a key raw material for ceramics, sank at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port on Friday night.

The vessel, MV Zayan, reportedly sank near Patenga Beach close to the Naval Academy around 9 pm after its hull cracked and water entered the ship.

Port Secretary Md. Omar Faruk confirmed the incident today saying all 13 crew members were rescued safely.

"The ship was en route to the Karnaphuli River from the outer anchorage carrying 1,200 tons of ball clay," he said. "The sinking has not affected port operations." The vessel is owned by Sea World Shipping Limited.

Mohammad Khalil, an operational executive of the company, said, "While returning with the cargo, the ship hit a rock near Naval Beach. Its bottom cracked, allowing water to enter and gradually sink the vessel."

Port authorities reported that around 90 percent of the ship has submerged and have instructed the owner to evacuate the vessel immediately.