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New shipbreaking documentary on National Geographic Channel

8 october 2004 - National Geographic Channel is broadcasting a new documentary on shipbreaking called "Cheating death: shipwreckers". The documentary brings to life the human catastrophe in shipbreaking. It shows the every day life of Indian shipbreakers at the largest shipbreaking beach of the world, Alang. A longer version of the documentary will be screened at film festivals.

Each day workers in Alang risk their life when breaking old sea going vessels. The workers have become experts in cutting these ships. Ships that could explode in their face if they do not pay attention for just a slight moment. Falling steel can kill them instantly. They also die because of explosions or suffocation. But even if the workers survive all the risks at the job they die because they have been exposed to deadly asbestos fibres and toxic fumes. Death, pollution and survival have become a way of living for the shipbreaking workers.

"We are exposed to dangerous gases which damage our lungs as well as our eyes." (shipbreaking worker)

"It is an industrial gas which is inhaled constantly. It is like smoking 10 to 15 packs a day of cigarettes all the time." (shipbreaking company doctor)

The documentary will be broadcasted in many countries in the world in the coming weeks. Find out the broadcast schedule of this documentary in your country.