Hear from Raeid Tashtoush, MtS manager and driver, concerning the fatal Port of Aqaba accident
Earlier this year, Jordan’s only seaport, the Port of Aqaba was devastated by a fatal chlorine gas accident. On Monday 27th June 2022, Raeid Tashtoush, manager and driver at the Mission to Seafarers Flying Angel Club in the Port of Aqaba, received a call that there had been an explosion.
The incident
It is reported that a large chlorine gas container was dropped while loading onto a ship, resulting in the death of five Vietnamese seafarers, fifteen Jordanian port workers and more than 250 further injuries. The investigation into the accident discovered that the port used the wrong crane, the method of loading was incorrect, and the attaching mechanism using a wire rope was wrong, which had broken under the strain of 20 tonnes. There were no health and safety measures, or instructions being followed, and investigators determined that certain tasks had been assigned to insufficiently trained staff. This incident highlights the importance of robust training and safety measures, especially when dealing with hazardous materials. Seafarers have the right to a safe workplace.
The role of MtS
After hearing news of the explosion, Raeid Tashtoush contacted the Maritime Authority and the shipping agent to understand the details and severity of the incident. Immediately, Raeid searched the three hospitals to find the injured seafarers and port workers, staying until the early hours to further assist with the fallout. Returning the next day, Raeid found nine seafarers at the field hospital, and four seafarers at the Military Hospital who were all very happy to see him and discuss their concerns and needs. Due to the nature of the incident, the seafarers didn’t have their documents or mobile phones to hand. They were understandably very scared and concerned for their friend’s and colleagues’ safety. After three days, nine Vietnamese seafarers were discharged to hotels. However, five Chinese seafarers stayed at the hospital due to adverse health effects from inhaling pure chlorine gas.
Raeid Tashtoush met with representatives from the Chinese embassy and one of the Vietnamese Marine Agents visiting the seafarers, lending his assistance. They were very pleased with the support offered by MtS, highlighting just how important it is for port chaplains to form good working relationships not only with the regional Marine Authority and local shipping agents but with embassies too. The seafarers, crew and captains were also very happy with the help and support provided by the MtS team.
The Seafarers
Raeid Tashtoush visited the seafarers every day at the hotel and hospital, speaking with them and offering assistance. On 7th July, the surviving Vietnamese seafarers left Aqaba and returned home. They were so happy to see Raeid again to say goodbye and give thanks for all the help and support. After their discharge from the hospital, Raeid’s daily visits continued with the captain, chief officer and Chinese crew members at a local hotel. On 15th July, the vessel sailed to the port of Sokhna, Egypt with the new Bangladesh and Indian crew who Raeid informed could contact our team in Egypt if needed. Finally, on 18th July, the Chinese sailors left for Cairo, where they spent four days before continuing home to China. Raeid also offered the details of our team in Egypt if support was needed.
Dangerous occupation
The work that seafarers do often goes under-appreciated, and their working conditions vary. They face long working hours and long contracts. Life on board is a tough environment, and seafarers will sometimes also face notable high-risk situations which can arise as part of what is considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous occupations. Day and night, 365 days per year, MtS is on call to provide help for seafarers in over 200 ports across 50 different countries. Seafarers need our help because they often have no one else to turn to for support.
Every task at sea should be risk assessed properly before any work is undertaken. Training is vital to ensure that seafarers understand the risk of the work they undertake. your work and you take every precaution when working in hazardous environments. As a seafarer, you should never undertake any work that you are not qualified or trained to do. Do not undertake work when you are exhausted or suffering from any illness or mental health problem. If you see others putting themselves or the crew at risk, report it immediately to your Chief Officer. If you have any concerns about your safety, you can contact a Mission to Seafarers port chaplain in confidence at any time.
