NGO Shipbreaking Platform reports that on January 16 two workers lost their lives after being crushed by a heavy iron plate during the dismantling of bulk carrier Chatherine Bright at Dewan Shipbreaking PVT Ldt in Gadani, Pakistan.
The vessel was linked to Oman-based Maritime International Transport & Trading and flagged Panama when it was beached, says the Platform.
The National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) accuses authorities of negligence as there continues to be a lack of compliance with occupational health and safety standards in the shipbreaking sector.
Despite having identified serious deficiencies at the yards following the catastrophic blast that killed more than 30 workers on the spot in 2016, Pakistani authorities have failed to impose necessary measures to safeguard sustainable ship recycling practices, says the Platform.
“For over two decades, we’ve persistently urged South Asian authorities to relocate the shipbreaking industry to designated areas with better facilities, ensuring worker safety and preventing pollution. Ignoring this urgent need risks more tragic loss of life. It’s time authorities recognise that the profits gained by yard owners and shipping companies are made at the expenses of both humans and coastal environments,”, said Sara Rita da Costa, Project Officer at the NGO Shipbreaking Platform.