Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com). Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it exclusively produces is in the public domain. September 23, 2007 Nearly 100 Fishermen Missing in Bay of Bengal Storm --------------------------------------------------- http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1999F59:A6F02AD83191E160DFE69DE223E599A09574F7DCC14957C0 Meanwhile, officials evacuated hundreds of people along coast to safer areas Authorities in Bangladesh say nearly 100 fishermen are missing in rough seas after a severe overnight storm hit the country's southern coast. Authorities in the coastal Barguna district Saturday said the men were aboard at least 12 fishing boats in the Bay of Bengal when the unexpected storm brought high winds and strong waves.  Coast guard patrol boats were searching for the missing vessels and crewmembers.  Meanwhile, officials evacuated hundreds of people along the coast to safer areas. On Saturday, the storm was moving westward toward India's eastern Orissa state. Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters. .