Desk report: The Bangladesh Navy rescued 76 individuals and detained 11 members of a human trafficking syndicate from a sinking, engine-disabled trawler off the coast of St. Martin’s Island.
The operation was detailed in a press release issued by the Navy on Thursday (October 1) night.
According to Navy sources, a fishing vessel named FV Crystal-1, operating approximately 81 miles off the St. Martin’s Lighthouse, spotted the disabled trawler drifting at sea. Upon approaching to offer assistance, the crew grew suspicious of several individuals onboard and alerted the Navy.
When the crew of FV Crystal-1 approached the vessel to offer assistance, they became suspicious of the behaviour of some people on board and alerted the Navy.
Following preliminary questioning, the Navy identified 11 of the 76 rescued people as members of a human trafficking syndicate and detained them. The remaining 65 were found to have been duped by traffickers with promises of taking them to Malaysia, the Navy said.
A Navy patrol craft dispatched to the location safely rescued all 76 occupants from the distressed vessel, which was taking on water due to failed engines and bilge pumps.
Preliminary interrogation identified 11 of the rescued individuals as active members of an international human trafficking network, who were immediately taken into custody. The remaining 65 individuals were identified as victims lured with false promises of employment in Malaysia.
Navy officials disclosed that a majority of the victims had been abducted and held captive in remote areas of Teknaf before being loaded onto the sea vessel bound for Malaysia.
