The Bangladesh Coast Guard has rescued 13 fishermen after their fishing boat experienced an engine failure and drifted in the deep sea.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed the rescue on Tuesday afternoon.
The fishing vessel ‘FV Rifat’ departed from Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on 25 September with 13 fishermen on board.
The boat’s engine malfunctioned around 4pm on Monday while it was returning to harbour after fishing. The vessel was left stranded and began drifting in the deep sea south of St Martin’s Island. One of the fishermen called the Coast Guard’s emergency hotline 16111 for help.
After receiving the information, Coast Guard ship ‘BCGS Syed Nazrul’, which was patrolling the deep sea, launched a rescue operation.
The vessel located and rescued all 13 fishermen alive along with the disabled boat, 12 nautical miles south of St Martin’s Island.
Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon said the fishermen were provided with first aid and necessary food. The process of handing over the crew and vessel to the boat’s owner is under way.
He added that the Coast Guard will continue to conduct emergency rescue operations in the future.
