An Industry Ministry expert investigation team conducted a second inspection of the accident-hit ship at Ferdous Steel Shipyard in Bhatiari, Sitakunda, Chattogram. During Tuesday’s visit, the seven-member team found no toxic gas or other toxic element on the vessel using a gas detector. The team also collected several samples from the accident site.

Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board Director General A S M Shafiul Alam Talukdar said the team entered the site around 11am under safety measures. Water was emerging from inside an eight-inch by eight-inch cutting area, though that section had not yet been fully cut. He said the accident occurred when cutting began, and water is now coming from the location where gas had previously been released.

Talukdar said toxic gas had been present during last Friday’s accident, having accumulated inside the ship before being released by the cutting work. Tuesday’s inspection was largely preparatory. People from Prantik Marine and Alif Marine assisted the experts, while separate committees formed by the district administration, Industry Ministry and BSBRRA continue investigating the cause.