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COX’S BAZAR: The Bangladesh Navy (BN) has rescued 76 people from a wooden boat that was sinking in the Bay of Bengal while allegedly carrying them illegally to Malaysia. Eleven suspected human traffickers were detained following the rescue.
The incident took place on Thursday night in Bangladesh’s territorial waters, about 81 kilometers west of the Saint Martin’s Island lighthouse in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
According to the Navy, 65 men, women and children had been placed on the boat by traffickers with promises of taking them to Malaysia. Some were reportedly lured with promises of jobs, while others were allegedly abducted and held in remote areas of Teknaf.
The passengers were reportedly being trafficked through the coastal areas of Myanmar and Thailand as part of an attempt to reach Malaysia.
After the boat reached deep waters in the Bay of Bengal, its engine broke down, leaving it stranded at sea. Water subsequently entered the wooden vessel, causing it to begin sinking.
After receiving information from fishermen, the Bangladesh Navy sent the vessel BNS Khalid Bin Walid to the scene. Navy personnel rescued all 76 people on board.
The rescued individuals were provided with first aid, food and other immediate humanitarian assistance. After preliminary verification, 11 suspected traffickers were detained.
The Navy also recovered and seized the damaged boat after removing the water from it.
The 11 detainees and the seized vessel are being handed over to Teknaf Police Station for further legal action, according to the Bangladesh Navy.