A Chattogram Port Authority pilot was injured after falling from Liberian-flagged container ship Box Endeavour at the port’s outer anchorage on Friday.
The incident occurred at around 4pm while Captain AJM Rabiuzzaman was descending from the vessel using a pilot ladder. The rope securing the ladder reportedly snapped, causing him to fall.
According to port officials, Rabiuzzaman narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident as he landed on a boat alongside the ship instead of falling into the deep sea. He sustained injuries to his right hand and back, and is currently receiving treatment at the port hospital.
Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim told TIMES of Bangladesh that an investigation committee has been formed by the Department of Shipping to determine the cause of the accident. “Captain AJM Rabiuzzaman is currently in good health,” he said.
Captain Sheikh Jalal Uddin Gazi, nautical surveyor at Mercantile Marine Office, said the vessel had been detained following the incident.
The authorities are investigating whether the rope and pilot ladder were secured to the vessel in accordance with international safety standards. He also mentioned that the vessel will require renewed permission from Department of Shipping before it can resume its voyage.
Following the accident, Box Endeavour was detained and anchored at Charlie Anchorage in the port’s outer anchorage. The vessel was scheduled to depart for Port Kelang, Malaysia, on Friday.
A two-member investigation committee began its probe on Saturday. According to the port authority, the pilot ladder used to access the ship’s bridge was not properly secured.
While Rabiuzzaman was descending and holding the rope, the rope on the right side broke, causing him to fall. The investigation will also examine allegations that low-quality or old ropes were used and that the equipment was not properly maintained.
