Indian Coast Guard detains 2 Bangladeshi fishing boats off Khulna

The vessels, carrying 79 sailors, were seized near the maritime boundary in Khulna's Hiron Point area on Monday

Two Bangladeshi fishing vessels carrying 79 sailors have been detained by the Indian Coast Guard near the maritime boundary between the neighbouring countries.

The boats were seized in the Hiron Point area of Khulna on Monday afternoon, according to the vessel owners and the Department of Shipping.

All detained sailors are said to be in good health.

The vessels, identified as FV Meghna-5 and FV Laila-2, are owned by Chattogram-based C&A Agro Ltd and SR Fishing, respectively.

Sumon Sen, executive director of C&A Agro, said, “We were informed on Monday afternoon that the Indian Coast Guard had detained the vessels. Both FV Meghna-5 and FV Laila-2 were operating in the deep-sea fishing zone near Khulna's Hiron Point.”

“Upon receiving the news, we reached out to the Bangladesh Coast Guard, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities. FV Meghna-5 was carrying 37 crew members and fishermen, while FV Laila-2 had 42. We spoke with the sailors on Monday night and Tuesday morning, and they assured us that they are safe.”

While the vessels' exact locations remain unconfirmed, Sen said they are currently afloat.

“The vessels were seized near the Indian maritime border. The Coast Guard and other government bodies are working with Indian authorities to address the situation. We are closely monitoring developments,” said Mohammad Maksud Alam, director general of the Department of Shipping.