Three labourers die after falling unconscious aboard M.V. PAN Optimum at Kandla

GANDHIDHAM : An incident occurred on 13/05/2026 (Wednesday) at approximately 11:50 hrs at Berth No. 13 of Deendayal Port inside the cargo hold of a vessel M.V. PAN OPTIMUM during the stevedoring operations. The stevedoring operation was being carried out by Rishi Shipping India Pvt. Ltd. and the vessel agent was D.B.C & Sons.

During the cargo operation, three persons namely Rajesh (Labour), Masuk Ali (Labour), and Raj Kumar (Labour), engaged under Mira Cargo Handling A/c Rishi Shipping India Pvt. Ltd., were found in an unconscious condition inside the entrance (manhole) area of Cargo Hold No. 03.

Upon noticing the incident, immediate rescue operations were initiated with the assistance of the vessel crew. The affected persons were evacuated from the cargo hold area and shifted to the hospital for further medical treatment through port ambulances at approximately 12:30 hrs. Where the victims were declared dead by the duty doctor.

The matter was immediately informed to the concerned authorities and further investigation into the cause and circumstances of the incident is under process.