Shipping Corp MD suspects sabotage behind fire at oil tankers

The incidents of fire at MV Banglar Saurav and MV Banglar Jyoti just four days apart could be an act of sabotage to damage the energy security of the country, Managing Director of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation Mahmudul Malek said today (5 October).

Speaking at a press conference at the corporation offices, he said, "The fires broke out in four places of MV Banglar Saurav at the same time. As the fire did not originate from the formation of gas or anything else and a speed boat went past the ship during the time of the incident, we are suspecting it can be an act of sabotage.

"Such back to back fire accidents are dangerous for the energy security of the country. A vested quarter may have planned the sabotage to make the country unstable. A committee has been formed by BSC with Executive Director Mohammad Yusuf at its head to find out who set fire to the ships," Mahmudul added.

At the briefing, Mahmudul also said they have decided not to transport oil through the two oil tankers anymore.

"We are chartering a ship from another country which will transport 30,000 metric tonnes of oil. The ship will arrive by tomorrow, and oil will be transported to the Eastern Refinery Limited from the mother vessel. Money will exit the country now as domestic ships won't be used for oil transport anymore," Mahmudul added.

According to the BSC, MV Banglar Saurav was carrying 11,055 metric tonnes of oil and 48 employees, including 42 crew members.

Among them, a steward named Sadek Mia from Noakhali died after sustaining injuries during the fire.

The fire incident happened around 12:50am on Saturday.

It took four hours for the Coast Guard, the navy and Chattogram port authority to control the blaze.

A total of 47 employees of the ship were rescued unharmed. Among them, one crew was rescued after he jumped into the sea to save himself.

Earlier, three people died when fire engulfed MV Banglar Jyoti, another ship of BSC, on 30 September.