Two dozen fishermen from Hatia have remained unaccounted for after two trawlers capsized on the Bay of Bengal in inclement weather.
Upazila fisheries officer Fahad Hasan said 29 trawlers have capsized in Hatia in the last
Six other trawlers with over 100 fishermen are yet to return. They could not be contacted despite repeated attempts until Sunday afternoon (September 15).
Dulal Uddin, owner of a fish warehouse at Hatia’s Amtali terminal, said 15 of the missing fishermen worked at Kamru Majhi’s trawler. Two fishermen of this trawler have been rescued from Cox’s Bazar.
Twelve fishermen of Rahim Majhi’s trawler are among those missing. Two other fishermen of this trawler were rescued by another trawler from Nijhum Dwip.
Another trawler sank with 17 fishermen but they were rescued. Dulal said these three trawlers sell their haul to him.
Jahajmara trawler owner Lutfullahil Nishan said six trawlers were yet to return. Fishermen who have returned say they did not see these trawlers in the sea.
Upazila fisheries officer Fahad Hasan said 29 trawlers have capsized in Hatia in the last two days. Most of the fishermen either managed to swim to shore or were rescued by other trawlers.
Upazila Executive Officer Milton Chakma said inclement weather hindered rescue efforts.
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