South 24 Parganas, 14 July (H.S.): A fishing trawler sank in the Bay of Bengal off the West Bengal coast, but all 13 fishermen on board were rescued safely after a nearby fishing vessel responded to their distress call.

According to local and administrative sources, the trawler 'FB Siddhibinayak', owned by Kakdwip resident Laxminarayan Das, had ventured into the deep sea a few days ago with 13 fishermen on board.

The accident occurred Monday night while the trawler was returning to the coast after fishing. At a point about 30 km off the Bakkhali coast, rough weather and high waves struck the vessel, damaging its lower hull. Water began gushing into the trawler, causing it to sink within a short time.

The fishermen raised an alarm, prompting a nearby fishing trawler to rush to the spot. All 13 fishermen were rescued unharmed. However, the FB Siddhibinayak could not be salvaged and remains submerged.

The rescued fishermen are being brought back to the coast after receiving preliminary medical assistance. While the incident has caused concern among the fishing community in Kakdwip, relief prevailed as there was no loss of life.

The latest incident comes just days after the 'Maa Kali' fishing trawler went missing in the Bay of Bengal. The vessel, which had left Shankarpur fishing harbour on July 2 with 15 fishermen on board, lost contact on July 5. It was later found capsized near Bagher Char, around 35 km off the Bakkhali coast. Nine bodies have been recovered so far, while six fishermen remain missing, and search operations are continuing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey