New Delhi: A devastating maritime accident in the Bay of Bengal is feared to have resulted in the deaths of nine Indian fishermen after their trawler capsized during a storm early Saturday near Bagher Char island. The vessel, carrying 17 fishermen, encountered high waves that overwhelmed it, leading to a tragic mishap.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Surajit Bag, the assistant director of fishing in the West Bengal state government, reported that the trawler had departed from the Sundarbans area on Wednesday. At the time of the accident, eight of the crew members were on deck and managed to survive after being rescued by another trawler. However, the nine others who were asleep in the cabin below deck have not been found despite extensive search efforts.

The Indian Coast Guard has since retrieved the capsized trawler and brought it back to shore. The eight survivors are reported to be in stable condition. The Sundarbans region, known for its dense mangrove forests and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a common departure point for local fishermen, particularly during the fishing season which continues throughout the year. However, the onset of the monsoon season brings severe weather, making sea conditions perilous for fishing and other maritime activities.