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Stranded at Sea: How 13 Bangladeshi Fishermen Drifted to Andhra Coast

Thirteen fishermen from Bangladesh were taken into custody in Andhra Pradesh. Their boat drifted into Indian waters after they got lost and ran out of supplies. The local marine police were alerted by other fishermen who found their movements suspicious. The men, who had been starving for over two weeks, are now being processed according to the law.

Key Points: 13 Bangladeshi Fishermen Detained at Andhra Pradesh Coast

  • Fishermen drifted from Bangladesh after running out of fuel and food
  • They were spotted by locals who alerted marine police in Srikakulam
  • The men were starving and scared, struggling to communicate
  • A similar incident occurred in 2008 with fishermen later repatriated
2 min read

13 Bangladeshi fishermen taken into custody at Andhra Pradesh coast

Thirteen Bangladeshi fishermen were detained in Srikakulam after drifting into Indian waters. They were starving and lost for 15 days before being rescued.

"They had been starving for the past 15 days. - Article Source"

Visakhapatnam, Nov 30

Thirteen fishermen from Bangladesh were taken into custody by the marine police in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district on Sunday.

The fishermen reached Musavanipeta of Etcherla mandal of the district after they were stranded at sea and ran out of fuel and food in the boat.

According to the marine police, the boat reportedly drifted towards the West Bengal and Odisha coasts and later reached the Srikakulam coast.

Local fishermen informed the marine police after they spotted the boat at sea and found the movement of those on the boat suspicious. Marine police Circle Inspector P. Prasada Rao and local Sub-Inspector G. Lakshman Rao, along with the staff, rushed to the coast.

Three boats were pressed into service to bring the boat and its occupants to the shore. Based on their language and attire, they were identified as Bangladeshi.

The police took them into custody and questioned them. As the Bangladeshi fishermen were starving and scared, they had difficulty communicating with the police officials. Some local fishermen, who knew little Bangla, spoke to them and gathered information.

The Bangladeshi fishermen said they lost their way while fishing in Bangladeshi waters and drifted towards the Indian coast.

The fishermen said they had been starving for the past 15 days. The locals offered them food and medicine.

They were shifted to the Kalingapatnam Police Station. Marine police said that since they entered Indian waters without any permission, a case will be registered against them as per the law.

The police said they would inform the Bangladesh Coast Guard about the fishermen’s entry into Indian waters.

According to police, a similar incident had occurred in 2008 when a group of Bangladeshi fishermen had drifted into the Indian waters and reached Etcherla. They were later handed to Bangladeshi authorities after completing the legal formalities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the human side is important, our security cannot be compromised. The marine police did the right thing by taking them into custody. We have porous borders and need to be vigilant. The law must be followed, but I'm glad they were treated humanely.
A
Aman W
This happens quite often in the Bay of Bengal. Fishermen from both sides get caught in currents. Our authorities have a standard procedure now, as mentioned from the 2008 incident. It's good they will inform the Bangladesh Coast Guard. Proper channels should be followed.
S
Sarah B
Shoutout to the local fishermen who spotted them and alerted the police, and to those who knew a little Bangla and helped communicate! That's community vigilance and compassion working together. A good example to follow.
V
Vikram M
The report says they were "scared". Imagine their state. Lost at sea, no food, and then detained in a foreign country. I hope the legal formalities are completed swiftly and without unnecessary hassle. They are poor fishermen, not criminals.
K
Karthik V
A case will be registered as per law - that is correct and necessary. But I sincerely hope our system shows some leniency given the circumstances. The focus should be on repatriation, not punishment. Our MEA and state police should coordinate efficiently.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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