Dockers deceased by inhaling toxic gases R.I.P


The three port workers who were killed Saturday when his transhipment Euroports in Waaslandhaven Beveren deceased by inhaling gases. That the Office of East Flanders confirmed. Further research needs to demonstrate to what gas is concerned.

The ship - the 200 meter long, under Hong Kong-flagged Saga Frontier of company Saga Carrier - since Friday was moored at quay 1213 Euro Ports Terminal - the former Westerlund - to unload coke. The hatch was completely open. The ship had coke imported from China and had been so for weeks at sea.

The hold was virtually emptied with grippers and Saturday was all ready to put the 'cleanup' manually removed to create the remaining coal. Therefore, the forklift driver and the helper descended through the manhole next to the hatch. When she emerged into the hold, was the foreman (team leader) for yourself. When he is not showed up, went in turn also dekman down. He saw three bodies lying on each other in the quiver of the manhole and was overcome as well, but still could crawl up and sound the alarm.

Toxic gases

Then a little later came the noodddiensten spot, they were down oxygen masks along with celbaas - the leader of the different teams - off and found the victims. The three were highly experienced longshoremen.

"The autopsy revealed that the three workers died from suffocation after inhaling gases," says spokeswoman Eva Brantegem of the East Flemish parquet. "They have been deprived of oxygen and are so suffocated. But to which gases are involved, toxicology will tell. "

This research may take three to five days. Monday Labour comes to inspect the place. The victims are 51, 53 and 54 years old and all three came from the region of Beveren.'De fire department has tried to resuscitate the three workers, but the help to no avail, "said Mayor Marc Van de Vijver (CD & V) Beveren.

Pressure

At the time of the facts was very busy at the Euro Ports Terminal and were treated six ships in a short time. It's the worst accident in years in the port of Antwerp. In the same terminal occurred on March 16, 2012 another major accident, fortunately without deaths or injuries. Then when according to the Nautical Commission error loading maneuver the French barge Luxembourg middle broken.

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