Sri Lankan father and son rescued off Bangladesh coast after 36 days adrift at sea

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Two Sri Lankan fishermen have been rescued off the coast of Maheshkhali in Bangladesh after surviving 36 days adrift in the Bay of Bengal, surviving the final 29 days by consuming raw fish. The men, identified as 51-year-old S.H. Chaminda and his 30-year-old son, Saunda Hannadigipiyawating, were discovered by local fishermen late Wednesday while drifting in their disabled trawler.

The ordeal began more than a month ago when the pair departed from their home in Devinuwara, Sri Lanka, for a routine fishing expedition. Their vessel suffered engine failure due to adverse weather, leaving them at the mercy of the currents. While two other crew members were recovered by a passing vessel days into the journey, the father and son remained with their disabled boat. Their situation further deteriorated when individuals, identified as Burmese nationals, boarded their vessel and robbed them of essential navigation equipment and valuables.

Having exhausted their food supplies just one week into the journey, the men resorted to eating raw fish and bait to stay alive. By the time they were spotted by a local fishing crew led by Ziaur Rahman, they were in critical condition. Rahman and his team provided immediate aid, securing the damaged trawler to their own vessel and towing it to the Kutubjom Union shore by Friday night.

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Local authorities have since intervened to provide medical care and support. The survivors are currently staying at the home of their rescuer, where they have been receiving treatment and nutrition to recover from severe exhaustion.

Police and coast guard officials, aided by a Dubai-based translator, have verified the identity of the men. Maheshkhali police station officer-in-charge Md. Abdus Sultan noted that while the men entered the country without valid travel documents, the circumstances of their survival warrant a compassionate approach. Officials stated that they are consulting with higher authorities to determine the appropriate legal path forward, emphasizing that the primary focus remains on the humanitarian recovery of the two men.