4 missing honey collectors rescued in Sundarbans, 1 held by Indian forest officials

Four honey collectors who went missing after being caught in a storm in the western Sundarbans Satkhira Range have been rescued, while another member of the group has been detained by India's forest authorities.

The rescue took place this morning (14 April) from the Chhaya River's Tek area in the Sundarbans.

The rescued individuals were identified as Shukur Ali Sardar, son of Sabut Ali of Burigoalini village; Abdul Latif Molla, son of Adam Molla of Kashimari; Tayebur Rahman, son of Liaquat Ali of West Buri Lakkhi; and Rashidul Islam, son of Ferdous Hossain of the same village – all residents of Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira.

Confirming the matter, Fazlur Rahman, an official at the Burigoalini Forest Station under the Satkhira Range, said another honey collector, Shawkat Ali Gazi, son of Ober Ali Gazi of Chhoto Kupot village in the same upazila, has been detained by the Indian Forest Department.

He added that the five-member group entered the Sundarbans on 1 April with permits to collect honey.

They went missing after being caught in a storm on 8 April.

"This morning, two of the honey collectors spotted a patrol fibre boat near Haldebunia and called for help. They were rescued first. Based on their information, the remaining two were later rescued," he further said.

He added that, according to the survivors, their boat was swept into the Raimangal area, crossing into Indian territory during the storm.

"From there, the Indian Forest Department detained Shawkat Ali Gazi. He is currently in their custody," the official said.

The four rescued honey collectors have since been handed over to their families.