9 workers dead in ship tank gas leak: All operations of Ferdous Steel suspended

The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) has suspended all operations of Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries following the tragic death of nine workers due to a gas leak inside the tank of an old ship in Bhatiary, Sitakunda, Chattogram.

BSRB Director General SM Shafiul Alam Talukdar confirmed the decision, stating that all activities of the shipbreaking yard will remain closed until further notice on Saturday (August 15).

SM Shafiul Alam said that in light of Friday's devastating accident, the operations of Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries have been shut down completely and will stay closed until a future decision is reached. He also noted that allegations of violating safety regulations have surfaced against the shipyard, which holds a Hong Kong Convention certificate.

The incident occurred around 9am on Friday (August 14) when a gas leak took place inside the tank of an old ship anchored at the Ferdous Steel shipyard in the Station Road area of Bhatiary union, Sitakunda upazila. The workers operating inside fell ill due to toxic gas exposure, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals.

The accident-stricken vessel, named MT Rasi, is approximately 280 meters long and 43 meters wide. It anchored in Chattogram in July of last year before being brought to the Ferdous Steel yard on July 13 for scrapping.

According to stakeholders in the ship recycling sector, remaining gas and toxic vapors inside old ship tanks or confined spaces pose extreme hazards to workers. It is mandatory to conduct gas tests, ensure adequate ventilation, and implement strict safety measures before commencing work in such areas, raising serious questions about the shipyard's safety protocols following Friday's tragedy.

The BSRB stated that the decision to halt the yard's operations was taken in response to the accident, and further steps will be determined based on subsequent investigations and official directives.