Six men were hospitalised after inhaling large quantities of carbon dioxide when they were working on a boat at Manoel Island yacht yard yesterday.

The police said five of the men were not injured and a 43-year-old from Fgura suffered “slight injuries”.

Those taken to hospital for observation were a 28-year-old from Fgura, a 39-year-old from Ħamrun, a 56-year-old from Birkirkara and two Egyptians aged 37 and 38.

High concentrations can also cause loss of consciousness

The incident happened at 11.15am when two men were working on the carbon dioxide system inside the engine room of a Libyan freighter. Sources said there was a sudden gas leak from a valve and workers in other areas of the boat rushed to help the two affected by the leak.

There was no explosion or fire.

Although carbon dioxide is produced by the body as a result of metabolism and exhaled, high concentrations of it in a confined space may lead to respiratory and cardiac problems. High concentrations can also cause loss of consciousness.

The carbon dioxide system in the engine room is designed as a firefighting tool and the gas can also be found in fire extinguishers.

News of the incident brought back memories of the tragic accident that happened 14 years ago in Ċirkewwa when three workers from the drainage department died after inhaling poisonous fumes. They had been working on a pumping station valve without protective masks when they were engulfed by hydrogen sulphide gas that is a natural by-product of sewage.

Hydrogen sulphide is far more dangerous than carbon dioxide.