A group of 62 Bangladeshi fishermen, who were rescued last week by Indian Coast Guard, were handed over to Bangladesh Coast Guard today.
Four Bangladeshi fishing boats - Allardan, Farhad, Nahim and Ma Ganga - got adrift in Indian waters due to mechanical failure post-depression in northern Bay of Bengal on August 17 and 18.
Two of the four stranded boats were sighted at 35 nautical miles south of Sagar lighthouse by a Coast Guard aircraft, officials said.
The other two fishing boats were sighted stranded inside the creek by a Coast Guard surveillance aircraft on Aug 18.
The fishing boats had departed from Maipur and Cox Bazaar in Bangladesh and were caught in the cyclonic winds that hit the Bay of Bengal.
Two fishing boats were towed to Coast Guard station Frazerganj. The marooned crew was provided with medical treatment, food and additional clothing during their stay.
"All Bangladeshi fishermen were provided with necessary logistics and medical treatment," Coast Guard commander (North East Headquarters) Inspector General K R Nautiyal said.
Joint interrogation by Coast Guard, marine police and SIB were also carried out to confirm the authenticity of the fishermen on arrival at the fishing port.
FB Allardan and FB Farhad were handed over today while the remaining two boats will be handed over post repairs that are being carried out locally, officials said.
Four fishermen have stayed back to oversee the repair work.
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