Pilot injured as rope snaps, foreign ship detained
A.J.M. Rabiuzzaman fell after a rope snapped while he was climbing down a ladder from the ship ‘Box Endeavour’. Photo: Agamir Somoy
A pilot of the Chittagong Port was injured after falling from a foreign ship at the outer anchorage. He fell while descending a ladder from the ship 'Box Endeavor' as the rope snapped.
The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on Friday. The injured person is Captain A Z M Robiuzzaman.
Port authorities said that if he had fallen into the deep sea instead of onto the boat alongside the ship, Robiuzzaman would have been at risk of death. Fortunately, he survived. He has sustained injuries to his right hand and spine. He is being treated at the port hospital.
Following the accident, the ship was detained and kept anchored at Charlie Anchorage in the outer anchorage. The ship was scheduled to depart for Malaysia's Port Kelang on Friday. A two-member investigation committee has been formed. They began their investigation this morning (Saturday).
Allegations have arisen that lobbying is underway to have the ship released from the port without including certain clues uncovered during the investigation in the report.
When contacted for comment on the matter, Captain Zahirul Islam, Deputy Conservator of Chittagong Port, did not respond to phone calls.
The investigation committee alleged that the accident occurred because the ladder placed for boarding the ship's bridge was not properly tied to the ship with ropes. When Robiuzzaman was descending holding the rope, the right-side rope snapped, causing him to fall. Complaints have also been found regarding the use of substandard or old ropes and a lack of regular maintenance.
Captain Sheikh Jalal Uddin Ghazi, head of the Department of Nautical Commerce, said they are investigating whether the rope was tied according to international standards. If the ship wishes to resume its journey, it must obtain a new clearance certificate from the Department of Nautical Commerce.
Two years ago, a similar accident happened to a port pilot while descending a ladder from a foreign ship. He received treatment in Thailand and Singapore but has not fully recovered yet. Due to his injuries, he cannot operate large ships. He also did not receive any compensation.
A senior captain of a foreign ship said, "This incident happened due to the negligence of the crew on board. The pilot climbs using the manropes on both sides of the wooden ladder. All materials used there must have international maritime certification. The entire process of the pilot boarding the ladder is supposed to be supervised by the ship's senior officer. That did not happen here."
Attempts were made to contact Rashid Ali, General Manager of Continental Traders, but he could not be reached. When another official, Wahidul Alam, was called, he said he was on leave. However, he confirmed that he is aware of the incident.
