The Bangladesh Navy rescued 20 fishermen along with their disabled fishing boat after it had been left drifting in the Bay of Bengal near Kutubdia.
The rescue operation was conducted on Friday morning by the naval ship BNS Surma during a routine patrol, according to navy sources.
Around 6:00 am, the ship received an emergency message that a fishing boat was floating helplessly at sea due to engine failure. Acting on the information, BNS Surma immediately headed to the reported location and identified the stranded vessel off the Kutubdia coast.
All 20 fishermen on board were safely rescued. They were provided with primary medical care, food, and other essential assistance by Navy personnel.
The rescued fishermen said they had set out from Chattogram on 19 January for fishing in the deep sea. In the early hours of 28 January, a group of 10 to 12 armed miscreants arrived on another boat and attacked them, threatening them with local weapons.
The attackers allegedly held the fishermen hostage and looted the catch, four drums of diesel, a gas cylinder, and other personal belongings. Before leaving, they damaged the engine of the fishing boat, leaving it adrift in the open sea.
With the engine out of order, the boat had been floating until the navy patrol located and rescued them.
The Bangladesh Navy said it would continue regular patrols and operations to ensure security in the country’s maritime area and to protect fishermen and seafarers.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
