16 fishermen rescued after drifting at sea for three days
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Sixteen fishermen who had been drifting after their boat's engine broke down in the Pashur River area of the Bay of Bengal were safely rescued by the Bangladesh Navy. The rescue operation was conducted Sunday night after one of the fishermen called the national emergency service 999.
According to sources in the naval police and Coast Guard, a fishing trawler carrying 16 fishermen left Rayenda in Sharankhola, Bagerhat, for the deep sea on August 19. Two days after they began fishing, the trawler's engine suddenly broke down on August 21. As a result, they continued drifting aimlessly in the Pashur River area near the Bay of Bengal.
Since there was no mobile network in the middle of the sea, the group was unable to contact anyone for emergency assistance for a long time. Later on the night of August 23, the trawler entered an area with mobile network coverage while drifting. A fisherman named Lokman then called 999 and reported the situation.
The call was received by 999 call taker Constable Fazle Rabbi Mia. After learning about the situation, 999 police dispatcher SI Md. Robiul Islam contacted and coordinated with the Bagerhat Naval Police, Mongla Coast Guard and the Navy control room to quickly begin the rescue operation.
As soon as the Navy received the information, a rescue vessel headed toward the location. However, the mobile network in the sea area was weak. As a result, communication with the caller was repeatedly disconnected. This made it difficult for the Navy to determine the boat's exact location.
After a lengthy search, the Navy finally rescued the fishermen along with their disabled trawler from the Pashur River area. All 16 fishermen were found unharmed.
