Trawler capsizes in Bay of Bengal, 5 fishermen missing

A trawler named FB Barkat capsized in the Bay of Bengal after it left Patharghata in Barguna with 13 fishermen on board. Eight fishermen were rescued alive, while five remain missing.

The trawler capsized around Monday afternoon after being hit by rough seas about 50 kilometres south of the Kuakata coast. Another trawler later rescued eight fishermen who were found floating in the water around 10:30pm.

Three of the five missing fishermen have been identified. They are Md Belal, Md Nur Alam and Md Ibrahim, all residents of Patharghata upazila in Barguna.

Golam Mostafa Chowdhury, president of Barguna District Trawler Owners' Association, said FB Barkat had set out for fishing on Friday with 13 fishermen. The trawler capsized around midday on Monday after being hit by rough seas. After being adrift for hours, another trawler rescued eight of them.

A trawler named FB Johura Khatun has been dispatched to the sea to search for the five missing fishermen.

Patharghata Upazila Executive Officer Tapas Pal said necessary measures are being taken to rescue the missing fishermen.