Chittagong Correspondent — Security concerns have resurfaced at the Chattogram (Chittagong) Port outer anchorage after a gang of around 20 armed robbers attacked a foreign-flagged vessel, looting valuable equipment before fleeing the scene late Wednesday night.
The incident occurred at around 1:00 AM on Wednesday at the port’s Charlie Anchorage.
The Sierra Leone-flagged tanker ‘Tai Shuen’, which had arrived from Hong Kong to be scrapped at the Janata Steel shipbreaking yard in Sitakunda, was targeted by robbers shortly after dropping anchor.
How the Robbery Unfolded
According to Mosharraf Hossain, owner of Ben Line Shipping—the local shipping agent for the vessel—the assailants approached the tanker aboard five wooden boats. Taking advantage of the dark and active anchoring procedures, the gang boarded the ship within minutes.
Once aboard, the robbers split into two groups. One group forcibly obstructed the crew from completing their anchoring duties, while the other ransacked the deck, stealing high-value mooring ropes, batteries, and other essential equipment.
Upon realizing the vessel was under attack, the Indonesian captain of the ship immediately alerted the Chittagong Port Authority control room via radio. However, the robbers managed to escape into the darkness before the Bangladesh Coast Guard forces arrived at the scene.
Rising Incidents and Growing Security Concerns
Local shipping agents have voiced grave concern over the incident, alleging a noticeable surge in opportunistic robberies at the outer anchorage in recent weeks.
“Many dismiss these incidents as minor petty thefts, but their impact on international maritime trade is huge,” Mosharraf Hossain said. “Robbers disguise themselves as fishermen and loiter around anchored ships. As soon as they spot a vulnerable moment, they board the vessel, grab expensive equipment, and flee.”
Hossain claimed that at least three vessels represented by his agency have been targeted in similar attacks at the Charlie Anchorage within the last month alone. “Repeated attacks like these are stoking fear and deep anxiety among shipowners, shipping agents, and foreign crews,” he added.
Official Response and Investigation
Officials from the Marine Department of the Chittagong Port Authority confirmed that the Bangladesh Coast Guard was immediately informed following the captain’s distress call and requested to take necessary action.
Chittagong Port Secretary Refayet Hamim stated that the Coast Guard has officially launched an investigation to verify the facts and evaluate the security situation at the anchorage.
While Chittagong Port has made strides in recent years to bolster its security status, the sudden spike in targeted robberies at the outer anchorage threatens to compromise foreign crew confidence and impact the port’s reputation.
Industry insiders have called for intensified Coast Guard patrols and stricter surveillance on suspicious fishing trawlers operating around anchorage zones.