DHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) – Four fishermen, who had been drifting in the Bay of Bengal for nearly 12 hours after their engine-driven boat broke down, were rescued today following a call to the national emergency service 999.

Petty Officer Mostafiz Mamun of the Saint Martin’s Coast Guard stated that at around 8:00 am today a fisherman named Idris called the emergency number and reported that he and three others set out from Saint Martin’s Island on January 21 aboard a small engine-powered fishing boat, according to a press release issued by the national emergency service 999. 

After crossing Chhera Dwip, the boat’s engine became inoperative, leaving them stranded at sea.

The caller further said that strong currents and waves had carried them away, making it difficult to determine their exact location. Dense fog also reduced visibility, he added, noting that although they spotted several trawlers and shouted for help, none responded.

Upon receiving the call, 999 personnel immediately informed the Coast Guard control room and the Saint Martin’s Coast Guard station to initiate an urgent rescue operation.

The call was received by 999 call taker Constable Naim Islam, while 999 dispatcher SI Sabbir Ahmed Nixon coordinated and monitored the rescue operation with the concerned Coast Guard units.

Acting on the information, a rescue team of the Saint Martin’s Coast Guard recovered the four fishermen around 10:00 am from the Badarpathar area in the deep sea, approximately 12 kilometres (about five nautical miles) from Chhera Dwip.

The rescued fishermen were given primary medical treatment and later safely transported to Saint Martin’s Island.