Three labourers died after they were found unconscious inside a cargo hold of vessel ‘MV Pan Optimum’ unloading timber at berth number 13 of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Gujarat on Wednesday, officials said.
According to a primary incident report issued by DPA, the incident occurred at around 11:50 am during stevedoring operations being carried out by Rishi Shipping India Pvt Ltd. The deceased were identified as Rajesh, Masuk Ali and Raj Kumar, all labourers engaged under Mira Cargo Handling on behalf of Rishi Shipping India Pvt Ltd.
Officials said the three workers were found unconscious near the entrance (manhole) area of Cargo Hold number three during cargo operations which included fumigation of the cargo. Rescue operations were immediately initiated with assistance from the vessel crew, following which the workers were evacuated from the cargo hold and shifted to a hospital in port ambulances at around 12:30 pm. However, they were declared dead by the duty doctor.
DPA said the matter has been reported to the concerned authorities and an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the incident is underway.
Published on May 13, 2026