Malaysia-bound boat intercepted at sea, 76 rescued

The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 76 people, including 11 suspected members of a human trafficking gang, while they were allegedly being taken to Malaysia illegally by sea.

The rescue was carried out late Wednesday night, September 30, during a routine patrol by Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Khalid Bin Walid, the Navy said in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, a fishing vessel named FV Crystal-1 spotted a wooden boat drifting about 81 nautical miles from the Saint Martin’s Island Lighthouse. The wooden boat appeared to be experiencing engine trouble, and water was entering the vessel.

When the fishing vessel approached to assist, the behaviour of some people aboard appeared suspicious. The crew subsequently informed the Bangladesh Navy.

BNS Khalid Bin Walid, which was patrolling the Saint Martin’s Island and adjoining areas, quickly reached the scene and rescued the drifting boat. Navy personnel pumped out the water and brought the situation under control before rescuing all 76 people aboard.

The rescued individuals were provided with first aid, food and other humanitarian assistance.
Following preliminary questioning, the Navy identified 11 people as alleged members of a human trafficking syndicate and detained them.

The remaining 65 people were identified as victims who had allegedly been deceived into travelling to Malaysia. According to the Navy, most of them had allegedly been abducted by traffickers and held captive in remote areas of Teknaf before being taken to sea for onward transportation to Malaysia.

The boat was allegedly being used to illegally transport people to Malaysia by sea.

The detained suspects and the seized boat are being handed over to Teknaf police for further legal action, the Navy said.

The Bangladesh Navy said regular patrols and operations would continue to ensure maritime security and prevent human trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities in Bangladesh’s territorial waters.