The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Bagerhat

Over 100 fishermen were reported missing as 25 trawlers capsized in the Bay off different costal areas on Monday night as the sea turned rough due to a depression.

Survivors who sailed back to the coast said 25 trawlers with over 300 fishermen on board were caught in gusty winds and went under.

"Of them, about 200 managed to swim ashore while over 100 remained still missing," said one trawler owner, Alauddin, from Kachikhai.

Coast Guard sources said search for the missing fishermen was going on.

The meteorological department in Dhaka said a well-marked low over the northwest Bay and adjoining area moved west-northwestwards and intensified into a monsoon depression.

The depression was lying over the northwest Bay and adjoining area off Orissa coast.

"It is likely to intensify further and move in a northwesterly direction and may cross Orissa coast of India near Paradwip by evening or night today," the Met Office said in a bulletin.

Under its influence squally weather may continue to affect the maritime ports and adjoining coastal regions of Bangladesh.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 44 kms of the depression centre is about 40 kph, rising to 50 kph in gusts/squalls. "Sea will remain moderate," the bulletin said.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three ® three.

All fishing-boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to take shelter immediately and remain in shelter until further notice.