Boat Breakers

 

Chittagong Ship Breaking (demolition) Yard, located in the country of Bangladesh, is the largest of it's type in the entire world.  Unfortunately,  the sea takes a toll on ships with a lifespan of only a few short decades.  After retiring, ships can be purposely sunk into the sea to create artificial reefs promoting marine life or be dismantled for their materials (primarily steel) for recycling.  And if you are a ship to be recycled,  you will most likely land yourself at Chittagong.  In the past,  most of these type of yards were located in industrialized nations, however, today you will find them in "developing" countries due to low labor costs and even more importantly, less stringent environmental regulations of the disposal of toxic substances (such as lead and asbestos).  This has got to be one for more difficult and unsafe jobs on our planet.  It is estimated that about 250,000 workers manage to break down about 250 ships per year.  Larger ships can take up to two years to complete.  Unfortunately,  conditions are unsafe and workers are exposed to injuries, noxious gases and explosions.   From the pictures I've found online, many of them appear to be young men, teens and possibly even children.