Bangladesh shipbreaking gas leak kills eight

On August 14, 2026, a toxic gas leak occurred at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard and Recycling Factory in Bangladesh — Chittagong Division, Bangladesh, during the dismantling of a decommissioned LNG carrier. The leak killed at least eight workers, with five others missing, according to police. The yard had been listed as a 'green' and compliant facility, but fire service officials said safety procedures were flouted, as the vessel should have been gas-free before cutting. Authorities formed an investigation committee and ordered an audit. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry, which accounts for about 36% of global ship scrapping and employs tens of thousands of workers.