In India, a six-mile stretch of beach at Alang is home to a hazardous industry where 40,000 migrant workers dismantle half the world's discarded ships by hand. The site is notorious for toxic waste and occupational risks, leading to long-term illness or early death for many workers. Despite the devastating environmental impact, the booming business has become lucrative for a few privileged shipyard owners in developing countries. However, it remains easy for ship owners to circumvent laws protecting developing countries from toxic waste dumping, and the International Maritime Organization is criticized for failing to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses and pollution.
Shipbreakers
In the ship-breaking yards of Alang, India, thousands of discarded vessels are painstakingly dismantled by hand by 40,000 migrant workers, toiling in perilous conditions along a six-mile stretch of polluted coastline.
