The fishing vessel FV Bandhan had an accident last year, killing 29 persons, for reportedly setting out on a suicidal voyage with unqualified skippers through the prohibited customary shipping route.
It is learnt that Bandhan was engaged in catching
fish in an uncharted zone within 40 metres depth of water at the time of accident. But it was given registration for fishing beyond the area, sources said.
Bandhan capsized off the coast near St Martin’s Island on November 28, 2014, As per Bangladesh Fishing Vessels and Deck Officers’ Certification Rules 2003, there should be a certified skipper and his fellow in a fishing vessel. But Bandhan flouted the rules at that time of the incident.
On the other hand, Bangladesh Fishing Vessel (Engineering Officers) Certification Rules 1992 stipulates that a fishing vessel will be operated by a certified chief engineer and a certified engineer. But there were no such officers in the vessel at the time of accident.
Marine experts said the owner of a fishing vessel will face two years’ imprisonment for violating these rules. The issue of punishment is enumerated in Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1983.
According to the licensing rule, a fishing vessel is not supposed to move beyond customary shipping route to avoid accident. But Bandhan tragedy was a result of the violation of the rule.
Bengal Fishing Ltd., owner of Bandhan, started to operate the vessel for fishing around 34 years ago. The vessel is not seaworthy now, the sources said, adding that the company has been catching fish with three more dilapidated vessels – Joutha Jatra, Joutha Udyam and Mita – endangering lives of the crew members.
It is learnt that Bandhan was engaged in catching
fish in an uncharted zone within 40 metres depth of water at the time of accident. But it was given registration for fishing beyond the area, sources said.
Bandhan capsized off the coast near St Martin’s Island on November 28, 2014, As per Bangladesh Fishing Vessels and Deck Officers’ Certification Rules 2003, there should be a certified skipper and his fellow in a fishing vessel. But Bandhan flouted the rules at that time of the incident.
On the other hand, Bangladesh Fishing Vessel (Engineering Officers) Certification Rules 1992 stipulates that a fishing vessel will be operated by a certified chief engineer and a certified engineer. But there were no such officers in the vessel at the time of accident.
Marine experts said the owner of a fishing vessel will face two years’ imprisonment for violating these rules. The issue of punishment is enumerated in Bangladesh Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1983.
According to the licensing rule, a fishing vessel is not supposed to move beyond customary shipping route to avoid accident. But Bandhan tragedy was a result of the violation of the rule.
Bengal Fishing Ltd., owner of Bandhan, started to operate the vessel for fishing around 34 years ago. The vessel is not seaworthy now, the sources said, adding that the company has been catching fish with three more dilapidated vessels – Joutha Jatra, Joutha Udyam and Mita – endangering lives of the crew members.
