Hydrogen sulphide found in 3 more ballast tanks after 9 workers' death at Sitakunda shipbreaking yard

Toxic hydrogen sulphide gas and black sludge have been found in three more ballast tanks of a vessel at the Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Yard in Chattogram's Sitakunda, where nine workers died in a toxic gas incident on 14 August.

The findings came during a joint inspection by investigation teams and an expert committee today (18 August).

The teams collected water samples from all eight ballast tanks, taking samples from both the upper and lower layers of water inside the tanks. Black sludge was found in three tanks.

No hydrogen sulphide was detected in the open areas of the vessel during the inspection. However, gas readings of 8-18 parts per million (ppm) were recorded inside three tanks after the water was disturbed during sample collection.

Experts said the hydrogen sulphide appeared to be dissolved in the water in diluted form. While the gas is less likely to escape when the water remains undisturbed, it could be released again when the water and sludge are removed.

Jamir Uddin, director of the Department of Environment's Chattogram regional office and a member of the investigation team, told The Business Standard that the vessel was inspected several times throughout the day.

"There is currently no gas detected in the vessel's open areas. However, during sample collection, hydrogen sulphide was detected in three tanks. Sludge or sediment was also found in the water.

"The samples have been collected and sent to BUET and the Department of Environment laboratories. After testing, we will know the nature of the sediments and the amount of hydrogen sulphide present in the water," he added.

Captain Anam Chowdhury, another member of the investigation team, said marine company Prantik Marine would submit a plan to remove the water and sludge from the tanks and clean and gas-free them after the laboratory reports are received.

The expert committee will review the plan before deciding whether the company will be assigned the work, he added.

Although the upper surface of the vessel is currently considered safe, all activities on the vessel have been suspended because of the presence of sludge and hydrogen sulphide inside the ballast tanks.

Meanwhile, investigators have taken statements from several officials of the shipbreaking yard over the past three days.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an investigation team official said the inquiry was nearing completion.

The official said investigators would determine how the toxic hydrogen sulphide and sludge developed inside the vessel after receiving the laboratory reports and would then submit a detailed report.

Four committees investigating incident

Nine workers were killed and at least six others injured at the Ferdous Steel yard on 14 August while workers were removing water from a ballast tank of a vessel being dismantled.

Four separate committees have so far been formed to investigate the incident.

The Chattogram district administration formed one committee, while the Ministry of Industries formed an 11-member investigation committee and another eight-member technical committee.

The Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association also formed a five-member committee.

Meanwhile, police filed an unnatural death (UD) case today over the deaths of the nine workers.