The depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, leaving the sea off the Patuakhali coast and Payra port rough under cloudy skies. A fishing trawler sank in heavy waves at Rangabali, but all nine fishermen on board were rescued alive.

According to a special bulletin from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Wednesday, 23 September, the deep depression over the north-west and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal had moved further west and at 6am lay 750 kilometres south-west of Payra port.

Sustained winds within 48 kilometres of its centre reach 50 kilometres an hour, rising to 60 kilometres an hour in gusts or squalls. The four sea ports, Payra among them, have been told to keep local cautionary signal number 3 hoisted.

Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal have been advised to stay close to the coast and move with caution until further notice.

At around 5pm on Tuesday, a trawler owned by Zahir Pyada of Jugirhaola village in Rangabali Sadar union was caught by the waves and sank. On board were the owner, his two sons Saidul Pyada and Mofidul Pyada, and six others.

Another trawler nearby came quickly to their aid and picked up all nine, bringing them safely back to Jugirhaola landing at about 11pm. The sunken trawler was later recovered.

The report was filed by Ekattor TV's own correspondent for Rangabali and Payra port.

Source: Ekattor TV