In a shocking incident, six workers were rescued unconscious from a coal-laden ship, M.B. Shakil Transport (M-25912), stranded on a shoal in the Baleshwar River in Mathbaria, Pirojpur. Among them, one worker, Nasir Hossain, was found with his hands and feet tied.

The rescue operation, carried out by Mathbaria police with the help of locals on Friday afternoon (March 7), brought the injured to a nearby hospital. The victims include the ship’s master, Abul Hashem, engine officer Bipul, cook Nidu Mia, and crew members Scott Md. Shanto and Shaon. All were found with visible injuries.

According to the ship’s master, Abul Hashem, the vessel had left Mongla port loaded with coal on Thursday, heading for Gabtoli in Dhaka. After anchoring near Sonakhali in Morelganj for Iftar and Taraweeh prayers, the crew rested. “We might have fallen asleep, and I don’t know how we ended up here,” he said.

Local eyewitnesses, including Sarwar Hossain Montu, manager of Selim Bricks, reported seeing the ship stuck on the shoal early in the morning. “The engine was still running. We tried shouting to check if everything was okay, but there was no response. Later, we found the crew tied up and unconscious,” Montu said.

Police and journalists were informed, and the injured were rescued and taken to the hospital. Additional Police Superintendent Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain confirmed that the ship has been secured, and an investigation is underway.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of river transport and the security of crew members on cargo vessels. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances behind the attack and the looting of the ship’s cargo.