7 fishermen missing in 21 trawler sinking in Hatia
September 16, 2024Updated:September 16, 20242 Mins Read

Jumbangla Desk: 21 fishing trawlers of Dwip Upazila of Noakhali have sunk under the influence of deep depression in the Bay of Bengal. 7 fishermen are still missing. The rescued fishermen were floating in the sea holding drums for hours.

On Sunday (September 15) night, Hatiar fish merchant Lutfullahil Nishan confirmed the matter.

He said that a total of 21 trawlers have sunk in Nijhumdwip, Amtali Ghat, Moktaria Sluice, Burirdona, Suryamukhi Ghat of Hatia upazila. Still hostile weather so not a single trawler could be rescued. Fishermen were floating in the sea holding drums for hours. At present, 6 fishermen from Amtali Ghat of Jahazmara Union and 1 fisherman from Nizhumdwip Union are missing.

Lutfullahil Nishan also said that the fishermen keep the wheels of the economy moving by extracting hilsa from the sea. But there is no improvement in the quality of life of fishermen. They live in the river and merge with it. Their cries match the waves of the sea. No one can hear. There is no government support. In case of death, if the body is found, then they pay 50,000 taka and if the body is not found, they do not get a single penny. This would not have happened if the government could have ensured advanced technology including GPS.

Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Istiaq Ahmed said, due to the rough weather in the Bay of Bengal, our fishermen are in danger and trawlers have sunk. We continued the rescue operation with the help of Coast Guard and Naval Police. However, due to the hostile weather, the rescue operation cannot be done that way. Then with everyone's cooperation we hope the fishermen will return safely.