WORLD> Asia-Pacific
Over 100 fishermen missing in Bay of Bengal
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-16 22:53

DHAKA -- Over 100 fishermen were reported missing as 25 trawlers capsized in the Bay of Bengal off Bangladesh 's southern coastal areas on Monday night as the sea turned rough due to a depression, private news agency UNB reported Tuesday.

Survivors who sailed back to the coast said 25 trawlers with over 300 fishermen on board were caught in gusty winds and capsized.

"Of them, about 200 managed to swim ashore while over 100 remained still missing," said one trawler owner, Alauddin, was quoted as saying.

Coast Guard sources said search for the missing fishermen was going on.

The meteorological department in Dhaka said a well-marked low pressure over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining area moved west-northwestwards and intensified into a monsoon depression.

The depression was lying over the northwest Bay and adjoining area off Orissa coast.

"It is likely to intensify further and move in a northwesterly direction and may cross Orissa coast of India near Paradwip by evening or night Tuesday," the Met Office said in a bulletin.

Under its influence, squally weather may continue to affect the maritime ports and adjoining coastal regions of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's southeastern maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and southwestern Mongla have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number.

All fishing-boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to take shelter immediately and remain in shelter until further notice.