The Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday handed over 32 rescued Bangladeshi fishermen to Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) in accordance with the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two Coast Guards.

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Varad formally handed over all 32 rescued Bangladeshi fishermen safely to Bangladesh Coast Guard Ship ‘Tajuddin (PL-72)’ at Indo- Bangla International Maritime Boundary Line. Bangladesh Coast Guard has thanked Indian Coast Guard for their humanitarian role in saving the lives of Bangladeshi fishermen.

These fishermen were rescued from sea after their boats had capsized during cyclonic weather which travelled along the coast of Bangladesh and West Bengal between August 19 and 20.

Most of these fishermen were found clinging on to nets in turbulent sea and struggling to survive for almost 24 hours after their boats had capsized, when they were sighted by Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft on August 20, officials said here on Tuesday. Out of 32 Bangladeshi fishermen, 27 were rescued by Indian Coast Guard in deep waters and remaining five were rescued by Indian fishermen in shallow areas.

These fishermen, when recovered, were in the state of extreme shock and were administered with first aid, served with food and drinking water by Indian Coast Guard men.

Coast Guard also rescued of 18 Indian fishermen in co-ordination with local fishermen. Giving details here, officials said here on Tuesday during the cyclonic weather on August 19, Coast Guard Station, Frazerganj received information from district administration, South 24 Parganas about capsizing of one Indian fishing boat named ‘FB Satyanarayan” with 18 crew members at a distance of around five nautical miles south east of Bhangaduni Island.

Coast Guard immediately diverted its two ships and also requested fisheries authorities to deploy local fishing boats to augment search efforts.

The coordinated response by all stakeholders resulted in rescue of 13 survivors by local fishing boats on August 19.

The search for the remaining five crew members continued throughout night.  Efforts by all concerned resulted in rescue of the five by local fishing boats from Bhangaduni Island on August 20.