The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 76 people from a wooden boat carrying them illegally towards Malaysia and detained 11 suspected members of a human trafficking gang in the Bay of Bengal.
The rescue operation was conducted late on Wednesday night (September 30) by the Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Khalid Bin Walid during a routine patrol near St Martin’s Island.
According to the Navy, a fishing boat named FV Crystal-1 spotted a floating wooden boat with its engine apparently disabled about 81 nautical miles from the St Martin’s lighthouse. As the fishing boat approached to offer assistance, some of the people aboard the wooden boat behaved suspiciously. The crew immediately reported the matter to the Navy.
BNS Khalid Bin Walid, which was patrolling the St Martin’s and adjoining areas, quickly reached the spot and rescued the boat. Water had entered the boat after its engine and pump reportedly malfunctioned, prompting Navy personnel to drain the water and bring the situation under control.
All 76 people aboard the boat were rescued safely. They received first aid, food, and other humanitarian assistance.
During preliminary questioning, Navy personnel identified 11 of the 76 people as members of an alleged human trafficking gang and detained them. The remaining 65 were identified as victims who had been deceived into attempting to travel to Malaysia.
According to the Navy, most of the 65 victims had allegedly been abducted by members of the trafficking gang and held captive in remote areas of Teknaf before being taken to sea for onward transportation to Malaysia.
The wooden boat was allegedly being used to illegally transport people to Malaysia by sea.
According to the Navy, Teknaf police will take custody of the detained individuals and the seized boat for further legal action.
The Navy said the operation led to the detention of suspected human traffickers and helped avert a potentially major maritime accident and loss of life. With the boat taking in water after its engine and pump failed, the lives of those aboard were at serious risk.
The Bangladesh Navy said its regular patrols and operations would continue to ensure maritime security and combat human trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities in the country’s territorial waters.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
