Fishing trawlers have begun returning to the Cox’s Bazar Fishery Ghat as a depression over the northwestern Bay of Bengal has intensified rough sea conditions, prompting authorities to keep Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 in force.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the Bay to remain close to the coast and navigate with extreme caution until further notice.
Since Monday morning, one trawler after another has been seen returning to the harbour as adverse weather and high waves made deep-sea fishing increasingly risky. Many vessels returned without venturing far offshore, while others cut short their fishing trips for safety reasons.
Fisherman Karim Ullah said persistent hazardous weather over the past few days had severely disrupted fishing activities.
“We have not been able to go into the deep sea, so our catch has been destitute. We still have to bear the costs of operating the trawlers, maintaining fishing nets and paying workers, but without fish to sell we are suffering financial losses every day,” he said.
He added that many fishing families were now worried about meeting their daily expenses as the suspension of normal fishing operations continued.
Assistant Meteorologist Md Abdul Hannan of the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office said the well-marked low over the northwestern Bay of Bengal had further intensified into a depression.
“As a result, adverse weather conditions are prevailing over the northern Bay and adjacent coastal areas. Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 remains in force for Cox’s Bazar seaport,” he said.
The meteorological office has urged all fishing boats and trawlers to remain close to the coast and exercise maximum caution until weather conditions improve.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
