A Bangladeshi fisherman was killed, and two others were injured when the Myanmar Navy opened fire on several fishing trawlers near St Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal on October 9, 2024. The trawlers, carrying over 50 fishermen, were reportedly swept into Myanmar waters by strong sea currents while operating near the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime boundary.
According to local officials and survivors, the Myanmar Navy opened fire without warning, resulting in the death of Md Osman Gani, 55, a fisherman from Shah Porir Dwip. The two injured men were also aboard the same trawler. The Navy detained the six trawlers and their crews, taking them into Myanmar territory. After holding the fishermen for approximately 24 hours, the Myanmar authorities released the boats and the 72 fishermen onboard.
The first trawler, carrying the deceased fisherman and two injured crew members, arrived in Teknaf under the custody of the Bangladesh Coast Guard. The remaining five trawlers returned later, following discussions between the Bangladeshi and Myanmar authorities. Bangladesh’s Coast Guard and Navy are investigating the circumstances of the incident and are collecting testimonies from the survivors
