Excess hydrogen sulfide found on ship where nine workers died: Industries secretary

Excessive levels of toxic hydrogen sulfide were detected aboard the vessel involved in the deaths of nine workers at Ferdous Ship Recycling Yard in Bhatiary of Sitakunda, Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan said Saturday (August 15).

The secretary made the disclosure after inspecting the accident site in Chattogram in the morning.

He also announced that separate investigation committees have been formed by the Industries Ministry and the Chattogram district administration to determine what caused the fatal incident.

“An 11-member committee headed by an additional secretary has been formed by the Industries Ministry. The Chattogram district administration has also formed a nine-member committee,” Abdun Naser said.

The committees have been instructed to examine events leading up to and following the accident and submit their findings promptly, he said.

Warning that those responsible would face action, the secretary said any negligence or failure to perform assigned duties identified during the investigation would be thoroughly examined and dealt with accordingly.

He said the toxic gas accumulated inside the vessel would be removed safely by specialists and that additional precautions would be taken to prevent similar accidents and further loss of life at ship recycling facilities.

According to the secretary, tests conducted by the Department of Explosives confirmed that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide inside the vessel was significantly higher than normal.

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas that can cause serious poisoning and death when inhaled at high concentrations.

During the inspection, the secretary was accompanied by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia, Police Superintendent Masud Alam, Department of Explosives Inspector S M Sakhawat Hossain, Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association President Mohammad Mohsin, Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fakhrul Islam and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdullah Al Mamun, among other senior officials.