Fishermen from Chittagong, Bangladesh, lead a challenging and perilous life. They typically spend up to three weeks at sea in the Bay of Bengal, facing heavy weather, cyclones, and the constant threat of sea pirates. Their work is grueling and dangerous, but it is essential to support their families. Upon returning to port, the fish catch is collected by boat owners, who sell it at a significant profit, often leaving the fishermen with only a small portion. After a brief rest, usually just a few days, the fishermen must return to sea to repeat the cycle. The arduous and unpredictable conditions of the Bay of Bengal, combined with the long hours and low rewards, make this profession both physically and mentally demanding. Despite the hardships, these fishermen continue to brave the seas, driven by necessity and a deep connection to their way of life.
Child working as a porter, fishing port of Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Boy looking for small fish in river silt, fishing port along the Karnaphuli river, Chittagong, October 2014
Fisherman at quay, Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Fishermen usually spend 3 weeks at sea in the Bay of Bengal, exposed to heavy weather, cyclones and sea pirates. When returning at port the fish load is collected by the boat owners and sold at a great profit. The Fishermen stay only few days at port before returning at sea for several weeks. Main fishing port in Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Fishing boats at quay after long weeks fishing in the Bay of Bengal, Sadarghat in Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Fish porters after unloading the fishing boats, Sadarghat port in Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Fish wholesale fish market, Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Fish porters, wholesale market in Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Porters unloading fish, Sadarghat area in Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Jetty of the fishing harbour, Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Fishing boats waiting high tide to leave at sea, Karnaphuli river, Chittagong, October 2014
Sadarghat neighbourhood in Chittagong, Bangladesh, October 2014
Fishermen back from several weeks fishing in the By of Bengal. Chittagong, October 2014
