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18 fishermen stranded at sea for five days after trawler engine fails
Published : Wednesday, 23 September, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Observer online report
Eighteen fishermen have been stranded at sea for five days after the engine of their fishing trawler broke down near Sonarchar in Patuakhali's Rangabali amid rough weather. No rescue vessel has been able to reach them due to the turbulent sea, according to officials concerned.
According to the fishermen's families and the Coast Guard, the trawler has been drifting about 80-100 kilometres south-east of the estuary near Sonarchar since its engine broke down early Saturday. The fishermen last contacted their families on Tuesday night (Sept 22).
Family members said the trawler left a fishing landing station in Char Fasson, Bhola, on Saturday morning with 18 fishermen on board. The engine later broke down as the sea became rough, leaving the fishermen stranded.
Trawler owner and boatman Hanif Mia informed friends and relatives on shore by phone and sought help. The family then contacted the national emergency service 999. However, they claimed that an immediate rescue operation could not be launched due to a lack of suitable vessels, manpower and rescue equipment.
Nearby fishing trawlers have also been unable to approach the stranded fishermen because of the rough sea. Although the matter was reported to the Rangabali upazila administration, Coast Guard and naval police, a direct rescue operation has yet to begin due to the lack of suitable vessels and necessary rescue equipment, officials said.
Mehedi, son of Hanif Mia, said he last spoke to his father by phone on Tuesday night.
“The sea is still rough. Several fishing trawlers nearby were asked for help through hand signals, but none could approach because of the strong waves,” he said.
Amzad Hossain, the Coast Guard official in charge in Rangabali, said the fishermen were 80-100 kilometres from the Sonarchar estuary.
“We do not have a suitable vessel, manpower or rescue equipment to reach the site. It could take six to eight hours to get there. There are also safety concerns for rescuers if an operation is conducted there,” he said.
He added that the Coast Guard's patrol team was currently operating in the river areas near Rangabali upazila.
Zayedur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Rangabali naval police, said they had been informed of the incident.
“Efforts are under way to rescue the stranded fishermen with the help of other fishermen at sea,” he said.
Rangabali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nazmul Hasan said the relevant authorities had been urged to take necessary measures.
The fishermen's families have urged the authorities concerned to take effective steps to rescue the 18 men who have been stranded at sea for five days.
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
