Trawler Sinks on Way to Forest Department’s Tree Plantation Programme, Worker Jahangir Goes Missing

PNN News Desk | Barguna

A worker named Md. Jahangir (50) went missing after an engine-powered small trawler sank in the Baleshwar River while he was heading to a reserved forest area in Patharghata of Barguna to participate in a tree plantation programme organised by the Forest Department.

The accident took place at around 11:00 am on Wednesday (July 15) near the river route adjacent to Padma area of Patharghata Upazila. A Forest Department employee and eight other workers on board the trawler were rescued alive with the help of local fishermen.

The missing Jahangir was a resident of Padma area under Patharghata Upazila and the son of Sayed Mia.

According to local sources and the Forest Department, a Forest Department employee and eight workers started their journey in a small engine-powered trawler in the morning to take part in a tree plantation programme at a reserved forest area. The trawler was also carrying a large number of saplings.

When the trawler reached the Baleshwar River, it suddenly lost balance due to strong waves and capsized. Following the accident, the passengers jumped into the river to save their lives.

Local fishermen quickly rushed to the spot and managed to rescue eight people, but Jahangir could not be found. Later, the incident was reported to the Fire Service and other relevant authorities.

After receiving the information, members of the Patharghata Fire Service reached the spot and launched a rescue operation. The Coast Guard has also been informed, and a coordinated search operation is underway to locate the missing worker.

Patharghata Fire Service Acting Station Officer Md. Rafiqul Islam said that the rescue team reached the scene immediately after receiving the news of the trawler accident. He added that all possible efforts are being made to find the missing person.

Patharghata Forest Department Range Officer Md. Badiuzzaman Khan said that a Forest Department employee and eight workers were travelling by trawler to carry out the tree plantation activities in the reserved forest area. Everyone managed to return safely to the shore except Jahangir. He added that the Coast Guard has also been requested to join the rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, concern has spread among local residents as the rescue operation to find the missing worker continues. The authorities have assured that all necessary support is being provided for the search operation.