The Bangladesh Navy demonstrated bravery and efficiency in controlling two major fires on Bangladesh Shipping Corporation’s oil tankers, “MT Banglar Jyoti” and “MT Banglar Saurabh,” off the coast of Chattogram.
These incidents, which occurred within five days of each other, showcased the Navy’s capacity to prevent disasters and save lives, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued today (6 October).
According to the press release, the latest incident occurred on the night of 4 October, when a massive fire erupted aboard the “MT Banglar Saurabh” in the outer harbour of Chattogram port. The Bangladesh Navy, along with the Coast Guard, Chattogram Port Authority, and Fire Service and Civil Defence, responded swiftly.
After nearly four hours of intense firefighting, the blaze was brought under control with the help of three specialised Navy tugboats and four additional tugboats from the Coast Guard and port authority.
Of the 48 crew members on board, 47 were rescued, but sadly, one crew member lost his life. Several injured individuals were transported to the Navy Hospital BNS Patenga for medical care.
This incident came just five days after another Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel, “MT Banglar Jyoti,” suffered an explosion at Dock No-7 of Chattogram port, claiming the lives of three individuals. Upon receiving the news of the fire, specialised firefighting units from the Bangladesh Navy immediately rushed to the scene, working alongside the Coast Guard, Chattogram Port tugboats, and fire service units to prevent further loss of life and property.
The coordinated effort successfully controlled the fire and rescued all surviving crew members, preventing the spread of crude oil that could have severely impacted the Karnaphuli River and Bay of Bengal’s delicate ecosystems, reads the press release.
The timely response also helped prevent significant economic disruptions, safeguarding the operations of Bangladesh’s busiest commercial port, it added.
