Container vessel fined Tk34.5 lakh over pilot ladder accident at Ctg Port

Container vessel Box Endeavour has been fined Tk34.5 lakh following an accident at Chattogram Port; a pilot was injured while disembarking from the vessel at the port's outer anchorage.

Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim confirmed the matter and said, "The vessel paid Tk30 lakh as a fine and around Tk4.5 lakh in VAT and taxes before being allowed to leave Ctg Port waters."

The accident occurred on 21 August when the rope securing the pilot ladder snapped as port pilot Captain AZM Robiulzzaman was getting off the vessel at the outer anchorage.

He fell onto a boat below, sustaining injuries to his right hand and back. He was later treated at Chattogram Port Hospital.

Following the accident, the Department of Shipping detained the vessel at Charlie Anchorage.

A joint inspection by Chattogram Port Authority and the Department of Shipping found 15 serious deficiencies in the vessel, including problems with its safety management system and pilot transfer arrangements, officials said.

According to officials, the Department of Shipping's investigation found that the vessel had failed to properly comply with international maritime safety requirements, particularly those governing pilot embarkation and disembarkation.

The pilot ladder's ropes on both sides reportedly snapped while the pilot was descending, causing him to fall onto the boat below.

The vessel was released after the identified deficiencies were addressed and the imposed penalty was paid.