Several fatal accidents at shipbreaking yards in Aliağa, Turkey, have once again raised questions about occupational safety in recent months.
According to the independent organization “NGO Shipbreaking Platform“, three workers lost their lives within four months. The incidents are preoccupying politicians and international observers and are also drawing attention to the role of the European Union (EU).
On January 11, 49-year-old Salih Ataman died at the Blade shipbreaking yard when a heavy hook came loose from a crane and fell on him. According to the information, Ataman was involved in the dismantling of the “Discoverer Americas” drilling vessel belonging to the US company Transocean.
A fatal accident had already occurred at the EU-listed Temurtaşlar shipyard on November 13 last year. The “Dolphin Leader” owned by Dolphin Drilling was scrapped there. 44-year-old Hasan Aktepe was killed when a large piece of metal fell. According to employees, he was not informed that cutting work was being carried out in the upper part of the ship’s hull at the same time.
Another fatal accident occurred on October 2 at the İzmir Mavi Denizcilik Geri Dönüşüm shipbreaking yard. Halil İbrahim Uz, an employee of a subcontractor, fell from a height of 5 meters. Despite receiving medical treatment, the 45-year-old died.
The accidents have once again triggered discussions about safety standards, inspections and working conditions in Aliağa. Members of the Turkish parliament also commented on the incidents. Particular attention is being paid to shipyards that are on the EU list of approved ship recycling facilities, as fatal accidents have also occurred at EU-certified facilities.
Aliağa is one of the most important locations for ship recycling in the Mediterranean. It remains to be seen whether the recent events will lead to adjustments in inspections or approval procedures.
