Merlus fishing employees faint, vomit after ammonia leak

Sixteen employees from Merlus Cormorant Fishing at Walvis Bay fell ill after an accidental ammonia leak on Tuesday morning.

Two of the workers fainted, while others were vomiting after inhaling ammonia fumes that entered the factory through its windows.

Merlus management chairman Stanle Katzao yesterday said the leak did not come from the factory, but from a nearby vessel.

“A crab vessel is docked at Pereira Fishing, which is adjacent to the Merlus property.

This vessel had a huge ammonia leak, which was unfortunately blown into the direction of the Merlus Cormorant factory and entered it via the windows.

“The workers also initially thought it was a leak at the Cormorant factory, but after careful investigation, it was established that the leak came from the crab vessel docked at Pereira’s quay.’’

He said Merlus Cormorant Fishing’s factory, canteen and locker rooms have air ventilation systems facing the direction of the Pereira jetty, causing the ammonia fumes to enter the locker rooms and factory.

Safety officers instructed all personnel to evacuate the factory, canteen and locker rooms.

The affected employees were assisted by ambulance services.

Police and technical officers are still investigating the matter after discovering leakages on the Royal Crab vessel.