Sri Lankan Father and Son Rescued in Bangladesh After 36 Days Adrift in Bay of Bengal

Two Sri Lankan fishermen, a father and son, have been rescued off the coast of Bangladesh after surviving 36 days adrift in the Bay of Bengal, reportedly enduring extreme hardship by eating raw fish after their food supplies ran out. Bangladeshi authorities are now verifying their account and coordinating with Sri Lankan officials for their safe return.

The fishermen were rescued by a group of Bangladeshi fishermen led by Ziaur Rahman near Sonarchar off Moheshkhali in Cox's Bazar on Thursday night after their drifting fibreglass fishing boat was spotted at sea. The rescuers brought the pair ashore and alerted local police.

The survivors have been identified as S.H. Chaminda (51) and his 30-year-old son Saunda Hannadigipiyawating, residents of Devinuwara in southern Sri Lanka. They told authorities they had set out on a fishing expedition on June 19, but their boat's engine failed during rough weather, leaving them stranded in open waters. According to their account, two other fishermen who were initially on board managed to return to Sri Lanka on another vessel, while the father and son remained with their own boat. They also alleged that a group of Myanmar nationals later boarded the disabled vessel and stole valuables, including supplies, binoculars and a camera, claims that are yet to be independently verified.

The father and son said their food ran out about a week into the ordeal, forcing them to survive for the next 29 days by eating bait and raw fish they caught. They also faced an acute shortage of drinking water before finally drifting into Bangladesh's maritime waters.

Initially sheltered by their rescuers, the two fishermen have since been placed under protective police custody in Moheshkhali. Police are verifying their identities and the circumstances of the incident before completing legal formalities. Authorities have contacted the Sri Lankan Embassy, while diplomatic and administrative procedures are underway to facilitate their repatriation. The Department of Social Services is also expected to assist in their care until they return home.

Expressing gratitude after their rescue, the father and son said the Bangladeshi fishermen "treated us like family" and credited them with saving their lives after more than a month lost at sea.