Trawler sinks in rough sea, 9 fishermen rescued
18 stranded after engine failure
A fishing trawler sank in the Bay of Bengal off Rangabali in Patuakhali amid inclement weather but all nine fishermen aboard were rescued by another trawler yesterday (23 September) night.
Meanwhile, 18 fishermen have been stranded at sea since Saturday after their trawler's engine broke down near Sonarchar.
The depression over the Bay has intensified into a deep depression, causing cloudy weather and intermittent moderate rain in coastal Rangabali, Kuakata and the Payra seaport areas.
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Trawler's owner Zahir Peya said it sank after being caught in rough waves.
The nine fishermen aboard the trawler were rescued by another fishing trawler later at night.
The 18 fishermen stranded near Sonarchar are currently located around 80 to 100 kilometres east-southeast of the estuary near Sonarchar.
Their relatives said nearby fishing trawlers were unable to reach them because of the rough sea.
The matter has been reported to the upazila administration, Coast Guard and naval police.
Amzad Hossain, officer in charge of Rangabali Coast Guard, said it could take six to eight hours to reach the stranded fishermen.
He also said there are limitations in terms of suitable vessels, manpower and rescue equipment to reach the location.
Rangabali Naval Police said efforts are underway to rescue the 18 stranded fishermen with the help of other fishermen at sea.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said the maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kilometres of the deep depression's centre is 50 kilometres per hour, rising to 60 kilometres per hour in gusty or squally winds.
As a result, maritime ports, including Payra, have been advised to keep hoisting local cautionary signal No. 3.
Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay have taken shelter in various channels, including the fishing ports of Alipur and Mahipur.
