Ferdaus Shipyard shut down after 9 workers die in gas leak

The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) has temporarily suspended all operations at Ferdaus Steel Ship Breaking Yard in Sitakunda following the deaths of nine workers in a toxic gas leak.

The suspension took effect immediately on Saturday and will remain in place until further orders, BSRB Director General ASM Shafiul Alam Talukder said.

The workers died after toxic gas spread while cutting an old LNG vessel at the shipyard in Bhatiary on Friday. Several others were injured and are receiving treatment.

Authorities are investigating whether proper safety measures and personal protective equipment were used and whether the shipyard authorities were negligent.

The yard will remain closed until the investigation committee submits its report. If serious safety violations or negligence are found, its licence could be cancelled, officials said.

Meanwhile, allegations have emerged that the yard authorities closed the main gate after the accident and that the absence of an ambulance delayed the transportation of injured workers to hospital.

No case has been filed over the deaths so far. Only one of the nine bodies reportedly underwent a post-mortem examination before the bodies were handed over to relatives.

The Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association said it would provide Tk 10 lakh to each victim’s family and take action if the yard authorities are found responsible.

The LNG vessel involved in the accident has been sealed off and additional police have been deployed at the site.

SKS