Fisherman’s Body Recovered from Meghna

A fisherman who went missing following a severe nor’wester over the Meghna River in Mehendiganj, Barishal, has been recovered dead, while another remains unaccounted for.

The body of Shipon Malthia, aged 20, was recovered on Tuesday morning (5 May) from the Baherchar stretch of the river in Hizla Upazila. He was a resident of Ward No. 7 under Char Ekkaria Union in Mehendiganj Upazila and the son of Alam Malthia.

Another fisherman, Juel Sardar, aged 21, who was also swept away in the same incident, remains missing despite continued search efforts.

According to authorities, the incident occurred on 2 May in the afternoon near the Dadpur Old Ferry Ghat area of Mehendiganj. A sudden and severe nor’wester caused the fishing boat carrying the two men to capsize in the Meghna River, leading to both of them going missing.

Hizla Police Outpost in-charge Gautam Chandra Mondal confirmed the sequence of events and the recovery. He stated that immediately after the incident, joint search operations were launched by local fishermen and administrative authorities. However, despite extensive efforts over several days, no trace of the missing individuals was initially found.

On Tuesday morning, local fishermen spotted a body floating in the Baherchar area of the river and informed the police. Following the alert, officers from the naval police, with assistance from local residents, recovered the body of Shipon Malthia from the river.

After recovery, the body was taken for inquest procedures. Once the legal formalities were completed, it was handed over to the family members.

Search operations for the second missing fisherman, Juel Sardar, are still ongoing. Authorities have not confirmed any breakthrough in locating him at the time of reporting.

Incident Summary

Timeline of Events

• 2 May (Afternoon): Sudden nor’wester strikes near Dadpur Old Ferry Ghat in Mehendiganj; fishing boat capsizes in Meghna River; two fishermen go missing.
• 2–4 May: Joint search operations conducted by local fishermen and authorities without success.
• 5 May (Morning): Body of Shipon Malthia recovered from Baherchar area of Hizla Upazila; police confirm identity and complete inquest before handing over to family.
• Ongoing: Search continues for missing fisherman Juel Sardar.

Authorities have reiterated that river-based rescue operations will continue in coordination with local communities until further developments emerge.