5 Bangladeshi crews rescued after missile strike on merchant ship in Arabian Sea

At least 18 crew members, including five Bangladeshis, have been rescued after a Panama-flagged merchant vessel came under a missile attack in the Arabian Sea.

The vessel, MV Gold Autumn, was en route from Shanghai, China, to Sohar, Oman, and was approaching the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck by multiple missiles on Tuesday (April 7), a day before a ceasefire reportedly took effect in the region.

The ship had 22 crew members on board, including six Bangladeshis, 11 Chinese nationals, three Indonesians, and one each from Vietnam and Myanmar.

Following the strike, fires broke out in multiple sections of the vessel, causing engine failure and forcing the captain to order an emergency abandonment as the situation became uncontrollable, according to survivors.

Four crew members initially escaped in a lifeboat, but were left stranded at sea after its engine failed. They were later rescued by a passing vessel, MV *Eunice*, after using flares to attract attention in rough sea conditions.

“We had almost lost hope. After several hours, we spotted a vessel and used flares to get attention. Eventually, we reached it by rowing,” said Bangladeshi sailor Ehsan Sabri Rihad, describing the ordeal.

Subsequently, the Pakistan Navy launched a rescue operation and recovered 14 more crew members from the damaged vessel, bringing the total number of rescued personnel to 18.

The rescued sailors were taken to Karachi Port on Wednesday (April 8), where they received initial medical treatment before being moved to a hotel on Thursday (April 9).

Five Bangladeshi crew members — Towhidur Rahman, Saikat Pal, Riyad Hossain, Abdullah Al Maruf, and Rihad — are currently staying in Karachi.

Survivors said the missile strike and subsequent fire destroyed essential documents, including passports and continuous discharge certificates, creating uncertainty over their repatriation.

“We want to return as soon as possible. Our documents were burned in the fire. We hope the embassy will take steps,” Rihad added.

Officials of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association said they are in contact with relevant authorities and working to ensure the sailors’ safe return.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.