Overview

• On July 13, two trawlers from South 24 Parganas carrying 34 fishermen strayed into Bangladeshi waters after losing direction in darkness and bad weather.
• Bangladesh Navy intercepted the vessels 77 nautical miles from Mongla Port Fairway Buoy, seized the boats and any catch, and transferred the fishermen to Mongla police station.
• The detainees had ventured into deeper Bay of Bengal waters to catch hilsa fish, which have dwindled in Indian seas but remain abundant in Bangladesh’s maritime zone.
• West Bengal officials alongside the Indian High Commission in Dhaka have engaged Bangladeshi authorities to press for the fishermen’s expedited return.
• This incident follows recurring cross-border arrests since October 2024, highlighting ongoing disputes over fishing rights and maritime boundary demarcation.