A man was killed and at least seven people are missing after a trawler carrying 39 passengers capsized in the Meghna River near Karimbazar Ghat in Hatia upazila this afternoon (May 31), according to local authorities.

The incident occurred around 3:45 pm as the vessel, which had departed from Bhasan Char, was nearing its destination—just one kilometre away—amid rough weather conditions.

Officials said 31 passengers have so far been rescued alive, thanks to swift efforts by local fishermen, the Coast Guard, and the Naval Police. One body has been recovered from the scene.

Noakhali Superintendent of Police Md Abdullah Al Faruk confirmed the incident and said that a search and rescue operation was ongoing to locate the missing passengers.

Local authorities suspect the trawler may have capsized due to strong currents and high waves triggered by adverse weather.