Pirate attack in Bay of Bengal leaves one fishermen shot, 11 others injured
Victims speaking to TBS said pirates attacked three fishing trawlers, assaulting crew members and looting fuel, fishing nets and other essential equipment before fleeing the scene.
Fishermen from Anwara upazila in Chattogram came under a pirate attack while fishing in the Bay of Bengal, leaving one boatman shot and at least 11 others injured.
The incident took place late last night (24 February) in deep-sea waters under Cox's Bazar district, confirmed Sub-Inspector Md Kamal Hossain of the Baro Awlia River Police Outpost to The Business Standard (TBS) today (25 February).
"The incident occurred in deep-sea areas under Cox's Bazar district. We have gathered preliminary details and are verifying the facts," he said.
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Victims speaking to TBS said pirates attacked three fishing trawlers, assaulting crew members and looting fuel, fishing nets and other essential equipment before fleeing the scene.
The bullet-injured boatman was identified as Monu Majhi, 58. He worked on a fishing trawler owned by Md Jasim Company of East Gohira's Telipara area.
Monu sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and was rescued in critical condition before being admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
The other injured fishermen are Hefaz Majhi, Abul Hashem, Ziaul Haque, Abul Kashem, Abdur Rahman, Arfat, Javed, Farid, Jabbar and Mizan.
According to the fishermen, two other trawlers owned by Hefaz Company and Kashem Company, also based in East Gohira, were attacked around the same time.
Pirates reportedly beat and tortured crew members before looting fuel, nets and fishing equipment.
One of the attacked trawlers returned to shore early today, while the remaining two reached the Anwara coast in the afternoon.
The fishermen claimed the pirates identified themselves as residents of the Banshkhali, Kutubdia and Moheshkhali areas, although authorities said the information could not be independently verified.
Lt Commander Siam-ul-Haq of Bangladesh Coast Guard also confirmed the incident to TBS, saying authorities received information that a boatman injured by gunfire is undergoing treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
"Our maritime patrol operations are ongoing," he added.
