The Indian Coast Guard recently intercepted and detained a Bangladeshi fishing trawler carrying 29 fishermen near Kolkata, West Bengal. The trawler was found operating inside Indian territorial waters during a routine patrol in the Bay of Bengal. Upon boarding, the Coast Guard confirmed the vessel was Bangladeshi and had crossed into Indian waters without permission, leading to its capture and escort to shore for further legal proceedings. The fishermen have been handed over to the Fraserganj Coastal Police Station in the South 24 Parganas district and will be presented before the local court as investigations continue.​

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in the maritime boundary region between India and Bangladesh, where frequent crossings by fishing vessels occur, often due to the regions complex delta geography and shrinking fish stocks. Officials note that such incursions are not unusual, and similar detentions have taken place recently, including another trawler with 26 fishermen caught just a day later. These events come amid heightened coastal security measures, especially after a recent case involving the mysterious death of an Indian fisherman in a Bangladeshi jail, which intensified maritime vigilance on both sides.​

The Indian Coast Guard continues to enhance its patrols and search-and-rescue operations along this sensitive maritime zone, employing coordinated efforts with local police and other agencies to curb illegal fishing and prevent unauthorized entry. These operations are vital not only for safeguarding Indias maritime interests but also for protecting fishermen who sometimes inadvertently cross boundaries amid the Bay of Bengals challenging waters. The agencies are also investigating if these crossings are accidental or possibly linked to illicit activities like smuggling.​

This recent trawler detention adds to a series of such interceptions this year, underscoring the need for improved bilateral coordination and communication between Indian and Bangladeshi maritime forces to better manage boundary disputes and protect fishermen on both sides. With ongoing advancements in the Coast Guard’s capabilities and infrastructure, such as increased aerial surveillance and joint exercises, the agencies aim to strengthen maritime security and ensure safer fishing practices in the region.​

The Indian Coast Guards capture of the Bangladeshi trawler with 29 fishermen near Kolkata is a reflection of the persistent maritime boundary challenges, increasing patrol vigilance, and mutual concerns over fishermen’s welfare in this geopolitically sensitive area, emphasizing the importance of continuous cross-border cooperation and vigilance.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.