THE SHIP-BREAKERSBy Kineree ShahM.A. Part II St. Xavier’s College

Contents• Introduction• How are the ships sold to the

breakers?• Ship Workers• The Problems• Where are the acche din?

Introduction

• The Lakdi Bunder is the second largest ship-breaking site in India after Alang in Gujarat.

• Most of the people have migrated mainly from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa.

• It provides employment to about 66000 workers in India alone.

• Hazardous Industry.

Selling of the Ship to the Breakers

• Two methods:-• Cash Buying• Shipping Agents• The ship breakers are not connected to the ship

owners directly.• Ships are brought in at high tide by the ship’s

captain and beached by a port pilot.• The first cut is auspiciously made on the nose of

the ship.

Ship Workers

• The Ship Gas Cutters: Tukada Cutter and Kala Cutter

• The Winch and Winch Helpers• Yard Gas Cutters• The LoadersThe entire modern process of cutting a ship is done using an acetylene torches.

Tukada Cutter Kala Cutter

The WinchThe Winch

Yard Gas Cutter Loaders

The Problems

• The workers receive no training.• No identity proofs or ration card.• Workers have to battle lethal hazards.• No job security.• Basic hygiene is a luxury.• Lack of safety equipment.• Toxicities on skin• Child Labourers

A worker handling harmful asbestos with his bare hands.

1 2

3

1. Umesh Sihori, 62, yard gas cutter at Yard no. 4, Reti Bunder

2. Umesh’s wife cooking on a Primus3. Umesh’s house4. Workers sharing a mere 10x12 sqft. among 10

people5. Paulo, migrant from Orissa, 59, workers as a

helper in Yard no. 8, Lakdi Bunder

4

5

Where are the Acche Din?

Acknowledgement

• Mr. Siddhant Jain, Arihant Ship Breakers• Mr. Alpesh Jaglani, Activist- Smile and

Samruddhi Foundation• Mr. Umesh Sihori and his team• Mr. Harsh Desai for his research, support and

photography.

Thank You