DHAKA, April 1, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 15 fishermen along with a fishing trawler that had been drifting in the Bay of Bengal for four days after its engine broke down.

Navy personnel conducted the rescue operation during a routine maritime patrol on March 31, said an ISPR release.

According to the release, a Navy patrol team spotted the disabled trawler drifting about six nautical miles from Saint Martin's Lighthouse and immediately moved to the spot to carry out the rescue.

The rescued fishermen said their trawler's engine became inoperative on March 27, leaving them stranded and directionless in deep sea waters. As days passed, they faced acute shortages of food and safe drinking water, causing severe hardship.

Navy personnel safely brought the fishermen and the trawler to the Bangladesh Navy Forward Base at Saint Martin's Island, where they were provided with necessary food, drinking water, and primary medical care.

All the rescued fishermen are now in good health and safe condition. They were later handed over to their families today.

The Bangladesh Navy regularly conducts patrols and operations to ensure maritime security, protect fishermen's lives and livelihoods, and promote the development of the blue economy.