Trawler capsizes in Bay of Bengal: bodies of 5 fishermen found after 22 hours

The bodies of five fishermen who went missing after a fishing trawler 'FB Barkat' capsized in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Patharghata in Barguna have been recovered.

The bodies were recovered from the deep sea nearly 22 hours after they went missing, around 11am on Tuesday, August 25. Trawler owner and skipper Badal Mollah confirmed the matter.

The five recovered fishermen are: Nur Alam (37), Kawsar (30), Saikul (33), Ibrahim (28) and Bellal (22). All of them hailed from various areas of Patharghata Sadar Union in Barguna.

Trawler owner and skipper Badal Mollah said the bodies are being brought to the coast on a trawler after recovery from the deep sea. It may take about three hours to reach Patharghata.

Earlier on Monday, August 24, the 'FB Barkat' met with the accident in a severe storm and rough waves. At that time, there were 13 fishermen on board. After the trawler capsized, eight fishermen floated in the sea for about two hours. Later, another nearby fishing trawler rescued them.

Yunus Mollah, a rescued fisherman and cook of the trawler, said there was a severe storm in the sea at the time of the accident. While preparing to cast nets, some fishermen were resting inside the trawler's bridge after becoming exhausted. Suddenly, a heavy wave hit and capsized the trawler. Later, eight of them somehow managed to stay afloat and climb onto a nearby trawler.

Soon after the accident, the district fishermen's trawler owners' association launched a rescue operation to search for the five missing fishermen. They sent a fishing trawler to the deep sea on their behalf. After a long search, the bodies of the five missing fishermen were finally located.

Patharghata Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdul Alim said he has received news of the recovery of the five bodies. However, the bodies have not yet reached him. Necessary legal action will be taken after they are brought to the coast.