Another Fisherman’s Body Recovered from Kuakata Coast After Trawler Sinks; 3 Still Missing

Thirteen days after a trawler capsized in the Bay of Bengal, the body of another fisherman washed ashore near the Tourism Park area of Kuakata beach. The body was recovered around 9:30 AM on Thursday from inside the sunken fishing trawler that floated to shore.

The deceased has been identified as Idris Hawlader, 50, a resident of the Mohipur area in Patuakhali. His identity was confirmed by his son-in-law, Sagar Islam. With this, the total number of recovered bodies has risen to three, while three fishermen are still missing.

Sub-Inspector Moniruzzaman of Kuakata River Police Outpost said the body and the trawler were recovered and preliminary procedures have been completed through local authorities. Idris’s identity was confirmed by his family.

On the morning of July 25, a fishing trawler carrying 15 fishermen, led by trawler owner Abdur Rashid Majhi, ventured into deep sea to fish. About 75 kilometers off the final buoy, strong winds and rough waves suddenly hit as they cast their nets. The trawler was severely damaged and capsized in the storm.

According to the surviving fishermen, one person was immediately swept away by waves. The remaining 14 clung to bamboo poles and floats in a desperate attempt to stay afloat. Four days later, on July 29, nine were rescued alive. Since then, six remained missing.

On August 1, two more bodies were recovered from the Mira and Gangamati points. With today’s recovery, the confirmed death toll stands at three.

The families of the missing fishermen are still clinging to hope, though the chances of finding survivors are dwindling due to the rough sea and passage of time. Limited local search efforts have also fueled frustration and despair among the families.

The recovered trawler is now in the custody of the local police station, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing, authorities said.