Fishing fleet rushes to shore, unable to brave rough seas

Bagerhat Correspondent :

Fishing boats operating in the Bay of Bengal have been forced to rush back to shore as turbulent sea conditions caused by a developing low-pressure system make it impossible to continue fishing. Many vessels have taken shelter along the coastal areas, including various canals of the Sundarbans.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued Warning Signal No. 3 for sea ports as the weather continues to deteriorate. Md. Farid Mia, a fisherman from the Baga area of Bagerhat, who took refuge in the Bedakhali Canal of Dubla, shared his experience over the phone on Wednesday (June 18): “The sea has been extremely rough for the last two days. Heavy rain, strong waves, and stormy winds forced us to abandon fishing and return to the coast.”

Abul Hossain, President of the Sharankhola Fishing Trawler Owners’ Association, confirmed that many boats have taken shelter in the Sundarbans’ canals, including those in Mahipur and Nidraskhina, over the past two days.

“The fishermen are facing heavy financial losses, especially after resuming work following the 58-day fishing ban,” he said.

Harun-ar-Rashid, Officer-in-Charge of the Mongla Port Meteorological Observatory, confirmed that a distinct low-pressure system has formed in the Bay of Bengal, prompting the issuance of Warning Signal No. 3.
Subrata Kumar Das, Officer-in-Charge of the Dubla Forest Patrol Outpost, reported: “The sea is experiencing heavy rainfall, strong waves, and stormy winds. Fishing boats are returning from deep waters and seeking safe shelter in nearby canals such as Bedakhali, Alorkol, and Meheralirchar.”