Navy rescues 65 Malaysia-bound passengers, detains 11 suspected traffickers

The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 76 people from a wooden boat in the deep sea near Saint Martin’s Island, including 65 people allegedly being trafficked to Malaysia and 11 suspected members of a human trafficking network.

The boat was spotted about 81 nautical miles from the Saint Martin’s Lighthouse late Thursday after fishing trawler FV Crystal-1 alerted the Navy about suspicious activity on board.

A Navy vessel, BNS Khalid Bin Walid, reached the area during a routine patrol and rescued the boat after finding it in distress. The vessel’s engine and pump had reportedly malfunctioned, causing water to enter the boat. Navy personnel pumped out the water before bringing the passengers under control.

During preliminary questioning, 11 people were identified as suspected members of a human trafficking syndicate, while the remaining 65 were identified as people allegedly being taken to Malaysia after being deceived by the traffickers, the Navy said.

According to the Navy, most of the 65 people had allegedly been held in remote areas of Teknaf before being taken to sea for onward transport to Malaysia. They were provided with first aid, food and other humanitarian assistance after the rescue.

The 11 suspected traffickers and the seized boat are being handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for legal action, the Navy said.

Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam confirmed the rescue and arrests on Friday morning, saying the rescued people and detainees were being brought to the police station but had not yet arrived.

The Navy said its patrols and operations would continue to prevent human trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities in Bangladesh’s maritime territory.