4 vessels sink due to low-pressure, one dead, 55 rescued

Three fishing trawlers and a salt-carrying bulkhead sank in rough weather in Hatiya, Noakhali, under the influence of a low-pressure system that formed over the Bay of Bengal. One person died in the incidents, while 55 others were rescued alive.

The accidents occurred at separate locations in the Bay of Bengal and the Meghna River on Wednesday (12 August).

The deceased was identified as Chaber Ahmed, 65, a resident of Shikalbhanga in Chattogram. He was a lascar aboard the sunken bulkhead.

According to reports, the cargo bulkhead MV Adnan left Chattogram port early Wednesday carrying 11,000 maunds of salt for Narayanganj.

After reaching the Thengarchar area of the Meghna River near Hatiya, its engine broke down. The vessel later came under strong winds amid the adverse weather and sank.

Eight people aboard the vessel fell into the river and were rescued with assistance from a nearby fishing trawler.

They were later taken to Noakhali 250-bed General Hospital, where doctors declared Chaber Ahmed dead.

Several of the rescued people were admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, three fishing trawlers owned by Nasir Majhi, Zahir Majhi and Jahed Majhi of Jahajmara Union were caught in a severe storm in the Bay of Bengal near Nijhum Dwip on Wednesday morning.

Fishermen aboard other vessels later rescued the crew members of the stricken trawlers.

Nishan Chowdhury, owner of Zahir Majhi’s trawler, said the weather suddenly deteriorated in the morning, making the sea extremely rough.

The three trawlers subsequently ran into trouble near Nijhum Dwip. With assistance from other fishing vessels, 48 fishermen and crew members were rescued alive.

Two of the trawlers sank completely.
Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Russel Iqbal said several fishing trawlers sank in rough weather near the Nimtali and Boyarchar Chairman Ghat areas of Jahajmara. However, no casualties were reported in those incidents.

Several crew members rescued from the bulkhead are receiving treatment at Noakhali General Hospital. Most of those rescued from the sunken fishing trawlers are reported to be in good health.