At least four members of the crew on board a tanker vessel named Banglar Joyti that caught fire following an ‘oil tanker blast’ this morning at Chattogram port are feared dead.
“The fire initiated at the upper deck of the vessel following an explosion while three technicians were doing repair work. We heard that a cadet and three technicians died in the explosion,” said Captain Shakhawat, general secretary of the Bangladesh Mariners Association.
Engineer Mohammad Yousuf, executive director (Technical) of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), said three crew members are missing.
The identities of the deceased could not be confirmed immediately.
“We have yet to board the vessel. Once we do, we will be able to confirm the deaths,” added Yousuf.
The ship is owned by the BSC.
The ship Jyoti caught fire around 10:30 this morning (30 September) while anchored at the Dolphin Jetty No 7 of the Chattogram Port.
Captain Farid, deputy conservator of the Chattogram port, said the fire is under control now.
All forward ropes were burnt, and Jyoti’s bow sheared off the jetty.
All ships in the vicinity were shifted to safe shelter, and all oil installations were informed to take precautionary measures.
“Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard were requested for urgent assistance,” he added.
He also said two pilots were sent to Jyoti to ensure the fire was fully extinguished, and the vessel was shifted to a safe anchorage.
Mohammad Yousuf earlier said there were 40 crew members on board Jyoti.
