An armed gang launched an attack on a stranded cargo ship in the early hours of Monday, May 26. They tied up the crew and made off with goods valued at around BDT 5 million, approximately USD 45,000.
The vessel, known as MV Sejunti, or Shejyoti in some reports, has been docked in the Base Creek area of Pashur Channel since June 2024, following the unloading of a stone shipment from India. It has remained inactive due to a mechanical issue.
At the time of the incident, the 5,400 dwt ship had seven Bangladeshi crew members onboard, including the chief officer. According to Sharif Jahidul Karim Amit, a manager at the local agent Al Safa Shipping Lines, the robbery occurred in the early morning hours of May 26.
A group of 14 armed men, equipped with locally made weapons, boarded the vessel from a fishing trawler and held the crew at gunpoint. They tied the hands and feet of everyone on board and beat three of the crew members. The injured were given first aid arranged by the shipping agent.
The attackers spent about two hours ransacking the ship, stealing items such as crane grabs, engine bearings, wire ropes, fuel, cell phones, and other ship supplies. They took seven cell phones belonging to the crew. The estimated value of the stolen items is around BDT 5 million, including BDT 500,000 (USD 4,100) worth of goods confirmed by local reports.
This was not the first time MV Sejunti was targeted. Reports indicate that the ship has faced three previous attacks while anchored in the Mongla Port channel. Amit described this recent incident as the most severe to date.
In response, the Bangladesh Coast Guard has initiated an intelligence-led operation aimed at apprehending the attackers and recovering the stolen items. Lieutenant Commander Harun Or Rashid, the Coast Guard's media officer, confirmed that the West Zone team is actively working on the case.
Meanwhile, security firm Ambrey Analytics reported that the robbers were armed with bladed weapons and blunt objects. They have advised all vessels in Bangladeshi waters to enhance security measures and maintain strict watchkeeping protocols, especially while at anchor.
This incident follows a series of similar crimes at Mongla Port recently. In March, the Coast Guard apprehended five men allegedly preparing for a boat robbery; they were found with sharp weapons and illegal narcotics and are believed to be part of a larger network involved in robberies and drug trafficking.
In a separate incident back in 2022, another gang looted a Liberian-flagged cargo ship anchored at Mongla Port, stealing ropes, paint, and machinery, which were later recovered by authorities.
A formal complaint has been filed with the Mongla Port Authority, the Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies requesting immediate action. Md Makruzzaman, Deputy Director of the Board and Public Relations of Mongla Port Authority, confirmed they are aware of the incident and that an investigation is currently underway.
