BANGLADESH PADDLE STEAMER issues 1987

[aukepalmhof]

Bangladesh issued in 1987 5 stamps which shows transport used in Bangladesh, one stamp shows us a paddle steam ferry, in 1987 when the stamp was issued only four paddle steam ferries were in service of so far I can find 12 were built for service in Bangladesh. Which ferry is depicted is not given, but she resembles most with the OSTRICH, I believe. There are many photos on the internet which shows us one of these ferries, but she is mostly given as a “rocket ferry”

Paddlers (originally steamers, but converted to diesel power in 1995) still exist in Bangladesh operated by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation on the famous "Rocket" service from Dhaka (Sadarghat Ferry terminal) to Morelganj with various intermediate stops, a distance of 354 kilometers. The journey time is approximately 28 hours but can vary enormously depending on the navigability of the river system at any given time. The route takes the ship along several rivers in the Ganges delta and includes calls at Chandpur, Barisal, Hularhat and Mongla amongst others. Originally the service went as far as Khulna, but this is no longer the case.
Vessels offer accommodation in three classes and are patronised by regular paying ferry passengers and tourists sailing as part of organised holiday tours. Only in First Class, on the upper deck forward, do the cabins have a wash basin and bed linen and on deck there is dining and tea service with stewards in attendance. Sailing "Deck class" is altogether different. Passengers have to bring their own sleeping bag and sleep on the deck. The journey passes through the Sundarbans, the vast mangrove Forest of the Ganges delta which is teeming with exotic wildlife.

For 2018 the advertised schedule shows paddlers leaving Dhaka at 06:30 every day except Friday, arriving at 14:30 hrs the following day. The return is at 08:30 hrs, daily except Sunday, arriving at 05:00 hrs on the following morning.

There are believed to be four "classic" vessels in service on this route, MAHSUD, OSTRICH, TERN and LEPCHA at the time of writing - June 2018. All were built and engined by Denny of Dumbarton, Scotland

http://www.paddlesteamers.info/Bangladesh.htm

All four paddle steamers were built by William Denny & Bross, Dumbarton, Scotland for the River Steam Navigation Co. India.

MAHSUD built under yard No 1227 she was shipped to Bangladesh on 17 January 1929.
Tonnage 630 grt, 140 dwt, dim. 235.0 x 30.0 x 9.0ft, draught 5.4ft.
Powered by a triple 3-cyl steam engine manufactured by builder, 970 ihp, speed 13 knots.
After arrival in Bangladesh used in the service on the Pudda River with passengers, cargo and mail.
2019 Still in service.

OSTRICH built under yard 1228, which was shipped to Bangladesh on 21 February 1929.
Tonnage 630 grt, 140 dwt, dim. 235.0 x 30.0 x 9.0ft, draught 5.4ft.
Powered by one 3-cyl triple expansion steam engine, manufactured by builder, 970 ihp, speed 13 knots.
2019 Still in service.

TERN: Built under yard No 1419, for the India General Navigation and Railway Co., and shipped with the vessel MACHARDA of T&J Brocklebank to Bangladesh in May 1949.
Tonnage 460 grt, dim. 200.0 x 26.0 x 8.6ft.
Powered by one 3-cyl triple diagonal expansion steam engine?hp, engine was manufactured by builder.
2019 In service.

LEPCHA built under yard no 1318 in 1937. For the River Steam Navigation Co, Calcutta in Calcutta
Tonnage 396 grt, dim. 190.0 x 25.0 x 8.6ft.
Powered by one 3-cyl. Triple steam engine, hp, Speed?
After arrival used in the passenger, cargo and mail service in East Bengal.
2008 in service on the Buriganga River from Dhaka to Khulna.
2019 In service.

Source: https://www.miramarshipindex.nz http://www.clydeships.co.uk
Bangladesh 1987 5t sg 288, scott?