Bangladesh Navy sailors injured in Beirut explosion, warship damaged

Inured Bangladesh Navy sailors after the explosion in Beirut. Photo c/o Dhaka Tribune

The Bangladesh Navy (BN) suffered from the ammonium nitrate explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, with 2 of its sailors confirmed killed, and 21 other sailors injured.

The BN Castle-class corvette BNS Bijoy (F35) was docked at Beirut port as part of the UN Peacekeeping Force when the explosion happened. 

The warship sustained damage, although it is unconfirmed how much damage the navy ship sustained, and is currently being assessed.

The injured navy personnel were brought to the American University of Beirut Medical Centre and Hamoud Hospital, one of which was said to be in critical condition. 

The BNS Bijoy has been part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 2018 and is in-charge of stopping the illegal entry of weapons and explosives in Lebanon.

The BNS Bijoy is a former UK Royal Navy Castle-class offshore patrol vessel, transferred to Bangladesh in April 2010. It was modified in Bangladesh service and is equipped with a 76mm AK-176 main gun, two Oerlikon 20mm guns, and 2 twin C-704 anti-ship missile launchers.


[1] The Business Standard Bangladesh
[2] The Daily Star