Port Blair, June 11: Shri Shobir Chatterjee posted as Oilman in the mainland sector vessel MV Nicobar slipped off the ship’s gangway yesterday evening and fell into the sea. After hours of search and rescue by the diving units of various agencies, his body was recovered in the midnight.

The accident took place at around 7.40 pm on 10th June 2013, when MV Nicobar was berthed at Haddo Wharf. The vessel was scheduled to sail the next day after fumigation work was done. Shobir Chatterjee while trying to board the ship lost his balance and fell off the gangway.

Sources inform that the ship’s gangway did not have safety net on place, resulting in the death of the Oilman. It was only after the accident that safety net was tied around the gangway, sources informed. The ship’s lights were shut off due to fumigation, which got over by 2.00 pm. It was around 8.00 pm, 20 minutes after the accident, Police was informed. Rescue team from the Fire Services, Police Marine Force and divers from the Indian Navy later reached the spot. To facilitate the search/rescue operation, the ship had to be put on anchorage.  

At 12.00 midnight, after four hours of struggle, the divers from the Indian Navy could finally locate the body of Shobir Chatterjee.   The Oilman Shobir Chatterjee was an employee of Shipping Corporation of India recruited from Kolkata.