Three labourers lost their lives after they were found unconscious inside a cargo hold of the vessel MV Pan Optimum during timber unloading operations at berth number 13 of Deendayal Port Authority on Wednesday.
According to a preliminary incident report issued by the port authority, the incident occurred around 11:50 am while stevedoring operations were being carried out by Rishi Shipping India Pvt Ltd. The deceased were identified as Rajesh, Masuk Ali, and Raj Kumar, all labourers engaged under Mira Cargo Handling on behalf of Rishi Shipping India Pvt Ltd.
Officials stated that the three workers were discovered unconscious near the manhole entrance area of Cargo Hold No. 3 during cargo handling operations involving fumigated timber cargo. Following the incident, rescue efforts were immediately launched with assistance from the vessel’s crew.
The workers were evacuated from the cargo hold and transported to a hospital in port ambulances at around 12:30 pm. However, doctors declared all three dead.
Deendayal Port Authority said the incident has been reported to the concerned authorities and an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.