60 travellers rescued by Coast Guard from drifting trawler in Meghna river

Over 60 passengers returning home for Eid were rescued by the Bangladesh Coast Guard from a drifting trawler in the middle of the Meghna River after the vessel's engine failed this morning (6 June).

According to Lieutenant Commander Harun-ur-Rashid, media officer of the Coast Guard South Zone, the incident occurred around 11am near the Majher Char area, when a trawler illegally transporting passengers from Lakshmipur to Bhola's Ilisha terminal broke down mid-river with 60 passengers on board.

One passenger managed to alert the Coast Guard. In response, a rescue team was immediately dispatched to the location. The team successfully rescued all 60 passengers along with two boatmen—bringing the total number of people rescued to 62—and transported them safely to the Ilisha terminal.

Following the rescue, the trawler and its operators were handed over to Ilisha River Police for further legal action due to their involvement in unauthorised passenger transport.

Lieutenant Commander Harun-ur-Rashid also mentioned that the Coast Guard continues to conduct regular patrols to ensure the safety of coastal and riverine communities. Additionally, in preparation for the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha 2025, the Coast Guard is actively working to maintain security and law and order on waterways and will continue these efforts in the days ahead.