Trawler carrying 39 passengers capsizes in Meghna, 7 missing

A trawler carrying 39 passengers capsized in the Meghna River in Hatia of Noakhali. While 32 people were rescued in three trawlers owned by local fishermen, it is reported that seven are still missing.

The trawler met with an accident on its way from Bhasanchar to Noakhali at 3pm on Saturday (May 31).

Bhasanchar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Qutub Uddin confirmed the matter to the media.

Witnesses said that there were a total of 39 passengers on board. The trawler sank after hitting a submerged reef due to stormy weather and high waves in the river. With the help of three local boats from Chanandi Union of Hatia, 32 passengers were rescued alive. However, seven passengers are still missing. Local fishermen quickly participated in the rescue operation.

OC Md. Qutub Uddin said that the trawler left Bhasanchar with 39 passengers at 12:30pm. It met with an accident while approaching the shore. Rescue operations are underway. Details will be announced later.

He said: "Navy divers have started an operation to rescue the missing persons."