Eighteen Rohingyas were rescued alive after an engine-powered wooden boat capsized in the Bay of Bengal near Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf Upazila of Cox’s Bazar. After receiving primary medical treatment, they were handed over to the authorities.

The incident occurred at around 6:00 am on Friday (July 31), approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometres off the coast of Shah Porir Dwip West Para in Sabrang Union.

According to local sources, the boat was attempting to enter Bangladesh from Myanmar when it lost control due to strong currents and rough seas before capsizing. Local fishermen, noticing the accident, launched a rescue operation with two engine-powered fishing trawlers and successfully rescued 18 people alive. The survivors were later brought to the Shah Porir Dwip West Para boat terminal and handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Preliminary information indicates that 27 Rohingyas were on board the boat. Among those rescued were several boatmen. Sources said the rescued individuals are believed to be residents of various Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf, and law enforcement agencies are currently verifying their identities.

According to relevant sources, preliminary information suggests that some of those in BGB custody may have links to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). However, the matter remains under investigation, and no official confirmation has yet been issued by law enforcement authorities.

The duty physician at the Emergency Department of Teknaf Upazila Health Complex said BGB brought the 18 rescued individuals to the hospital in the afternoon, where they received primary treatment before being handed back to BGB. The physician added that no visible injuries were found on the rescued individuals.

Sukanta, Investigation Officer of Teknaf Model Police Station, said BGB has handed over 16 individuals to the police, while the process of transferring the remaining two is underway. According to preliminary findings, all those detained are Rohingya nationals.