By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
Three workers died of suspected asphyxiation while cleaning a ballast tank of a vessel at the old harbour in Thoothukudi on Wednesday.
From the old harbour, boats and small vessels transport construction materials and other goods to Andaman and Nicobar islands and other nearby areas. Recently a small vessel, used for carrying construction material was docked at the old harbour.
According to police, on Wednesday evening, three workers who entered the ballast tank to release the water became unconscious. The workers were identified as Sandeep Kumar, 23 from Rajasthan, T. Jeniston, 34 from Punnaikayal and G. Sharon, 23 from Uvari. When all three failed to return after a specific time, colleagues alerted the police and fire and rescue service department.
District Fire Officer K. Ganesan, along with 10 fire and rescue service personnel reached the spot. Due to the narrow tank cover and suspected presence of toxic gas,a portion was cut using a welding machine to ventilate the gas. Following that a firefighter, equipped with breathing apparatus, entered the tank and found all three workers unconscious.
After an hour of effort, the three workers were retrieved and sent to Thoothukudi Government Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.
Police suspect one person entered the tank first, followed by the other two a few minutes later, when the first person did not return on time.
Thoothukudi coastal security police have registered a case. Further investigations are underway.
