The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Barisal

Over 100 fishing trawlers with some 12,00 fishermen went missing in the Bay as high waves, triggered a by sudden storm, hit the trawlers Thursday night, report agencies.

The fishermen who returned to the shore said they saw three trawlers sinking in the rough sea.

Barguna District Trawler Owners' Association advisor Golam Mustafa Chowdhury told UNB that about 400 out of 500 fishing trawlers returned to the coast, but the fate of the rest 100 with 1200 fishermen could not be known.

Patharghata UNO Selim Khan said he has heard that 70-80 trawlers went missing and three capsized, and he conveyed the mater to the Barguna district administration.

Fishermen of 'FV Laboni' who returned from the turbulent Bay Friday afternoon said sea waves rising 12-15 feet high prevented other trawlers and fishermen from returning to the shore. They feared that some of the missing trawlers and fishermen might have sailed for the Indian coast

Quoting fishermen, Mustafa Chowdhury said trawler 'FV Jannat' developed a crack in its botom and quickly took shelter at Pakkhindia char. Some 14 fishermen were in the trawler.

He said the engine of 'FV Satbhai Champa' with 13 fishermen went out of order and seen floating in Dubajahaj area. The fishermen were heard screaming for help, but no rescue trawler could approach it due to strong waves in the Bay. The fate of these fishermen could not be known till filing of this report at about 7pm.

Fishermen of other trawlers saw 'FV Bhai Bhai' sinking with 10 fishermen in the deep sea.

Alipur-Mohipur Fishers' Association president Fazlu Gazi said most of the trawlers of Kuakata coast returned to the coast

He said the fishermen went to the deep sea Thursday for fishing after a 12-day break.