Bangladesh rescues 35 Malaysia-bound Rohingyas
As many as 39 people_ including 35 Rohingya_ have been rescued after a trawler illegally ferrying the refugees to Malaysia sank off the coast of Cox's Bazar's Teknaf.
The incident occurred in the deep sea off Baharchhara Union's Harmunia on Tuesday_ said Lt Commander Md Ashik Ahmed_ the Bangladesh Coast Guard's Teknaf station commander.
The coast guard official said that the number of Rohingyas in the trawler has not yet been confirmed. Many others are said to be floating in the sea and have not been rescued.
Contingent Commander Delwar Hossain said that it was not confirmed how many Rohingyas were in the trawler. Rescue operations are underway. There might be loss of life_ he added.
Residents of Harmunia noticed a few Rohingya swimming to shore and alerted the authorities about the matter_ according to Delwar. Coast Guard personnel subsequently went to their aid and initially rescued 30 Rohingya. Nine others were later pulled out of the sea.
"The trawler carrying the Rohingya sank en route to Malaysia. Afterwards_ they just kept floating in the sea. They didn't even seek help from the fishing trawlers and boats nearby.
Later_ many of the Rohingya swam ashore with the help of the buoys and water jars thrown by fishermen.
The authorities fear that there may be casualties as many of the trawler's passengers are still floating in the sea. A search and rescue operation is currently underway_ said Delwar.
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