Bangladesh Navy has rescued 76 Malaysia-bound people, including 11 suspected members of a human trafficking syndicate from a boat in the Bay of Bengal.

The operation was conducted late Wednesday night about 81 nautical miles off St Martin's Lighthouse during a routine patrol, said an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release this morning.

The incident came to light when the fishing vessel FV Crystal-1 spotted a wooden boat with a disabled engine drifting in the sea. As the fishing vessel approached to provide assistance, its crew noticed suspicious activities among some of the people on board and alerted the Navy.

BNS Khalid Bin Walid, which was conducting patrols in the St Martin's area promptly reached the spot.

"Water had entered the vessel after its engine and pump failed, putting those on board at risk," the ISPR said.

Navy personnel pumped out the water, stabilised the boat and rescued all 76 people on board.

The rescued people were provided with first aid, food and other humanitarian assistance.

During preliminary interrogation, it was found that 11 of the 76 people were members of a human trafficking syndicate, while the remaining 65 were victims who were being taken to Malaysia.

According to the Navy, most of the victims had been abducted and held captive at remote locations in Teknaf before being taken to sea. The boat was allegedly being used for illegal transportation of passengers by sea.

The detained suspects and the seized boat are being handed over to Teknaf Police Station for legal action.

The Navy said the operation not only resulted in the arrest of members of the trafficking syndicate but also averted a possible major accident and loss of life, as the boat was taking in water.

It said the operation was part of its ongoing patrols and surveillance to protect Bangladesh's maritime boundaries and prevent human trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities at sea.