Sierra Leonean Crew Member Reportedly Burned to Death in Trawler Explosion in Senegal

Sierra Leonean Crew Member Reportedly Burned to Death in Trawler Explosion in Senegal

A Sierra Leonean national, identified as Sallieu Sesay, has tragically lost his life in Senegal following an alleged explosion on board a trawler boat.

According to one of the workers on board, the crew first noticed smoke while they were on deck. When they attempted to investigate, they were reportedly blocked by the captain, who told them the smoke was coming from the “madam’s kitchen.”

The eyewitness recounted that the crew searched desperately for their colleague but could not locate him. They later attempted to check his sleeping quarters but still did not find him. He explained that the lower deck, where the incident was taking place, was engulfed in intense heat, making it impossible for anyone to approach.

The worker further alleged that when they inquired from their supervisor about Sesay’s whereabouts, they were told that he was sick. However, after the fire subsided, the Chinese crew members reportedly went to the lower deck and discovered that Sesay had been completely burned in the blaze.

He also claimed that when they tried to use an alternative entrance, they found the door usually kept open was locked. The eyewitness expressed shock at how the situation was handled, alleging that the Chinese crew did not immediately inform the rest of the workers about the discovery. Instead, they allegedly tied a rope to Sesay’s feet and dragged his body onto the deck.

The workers say they are devastated by the incident and have called for a thorough investigation, expressing dissatisfaction with the way the matter was managed, particularly as only their Sierra Leonean colleague lost his life in the tragedy while others on duty reportedly remained unharmed.