Bangladesh Navy conducts rescue operations to control fire incidents on two Shipping Corporation vessels at Chittagong recently. Photo Credit: ISPR

on November 10, 2024

Navy executes major fire rescues on 2 BSC vessels

By Diplomatic Correspondent

Within a week Bangladesh Navy conducted two rescue operations to control fire incidents on two Shipping Corporation vessels at Chittagong, port city of the country.

A significant fire erupted on the oil tanker “MT Banglar Saurabh,” owned by Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), in the outer harbor of Chittagong Port on October 5.

After nearly four hours of intense efforts, three specialized navy tugboats, along with four Coast Guard vessels and several port authority tugboats, successfully managed to control the blaze.

Out of the 48 crew members aboard, 47 were rescued safely, while one tragically lost their life on the scene. Several injured individuals were taken to Navy Hospital BNS Patenga for medical attention.

This incident followed a similar occurrence just five days prior, when another vessel, “MT Banglar Jyoti,” also owned by Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, suffered an explosion at Dock No. 7, resulting in three fatalities.

Upon receiving reports of the fire, multiple specialized firefighting tugboats from the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, Chittagong Port, and units from the Fire Service swiftly arrived at the scene.

Senior officials from the Bangladesh Navy spearheaded the on-site firefighting efforts.

The rapid and coordinated actions of the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, Fire Service, Chittagong Port, and Bangladesh Shipping Corporation not only contained the fire quickly but also enabled the rescue of the remaining crew members.

These prompt efforts prevented major disasters and significant loss of life, as noted by Navy officials.

Additionally, the quick response averted the potential spread of crude oil, which could have severely affected the biodiversity of the Karnaphuli River and the Bay of Bengal.

The successful firefighting operation also mitigated potential economic repercussions, including disruptions to the nation’s primary commercial port operations.

This success is credited to the strategic placement of skilled officers from the Bangladesh Navy in key maritime positions. Their capable leadership ensured a well-coordinated response, preventing a major disaster and saving numerous lives.

The Bangladesh Navy expressed commitment to addressing national disasters and will continue to do so in the future.