About The Stinking Ship

In August 2006, after wandering around the world for months, a tanker crept into the port of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire under cover of night and quietly unloaded over 500 tons of toxic waste. Within days, 15 people were dead, 23 hospitalized, and 40,000 had sought medical treatment.

The Stinking Ship documents the Probo Koala affair, involving Trafigura, one of the world’s largest oil trading companies, and its aftermath: legal settlements, media controversies, and nearly 200,000 victims seeking justice.

Drawing on archival footage, confidential documents, and firsthand testimony, the film is a gripping investigation into corporate impunity and the price paid by those who can least afford it.

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FRANÇAIS

En août 2006, après avoir erré pendant des mois à travers le monde, un pétrolier s’est glissé dans le port d’Abidjan, en Côte d’Ivoire, à la faveur de la nuit, déchargeant discrètement plus de 500 tonnes de déchets toxiques. En quelques jours, 15 personnes étaient mortes, 23 hospitalisées, et 40 000 autres avaient consulté un médecin.

Le Bateau qui pue documente l’affaire du Probo Koala, impliquant Trafigura, l’un des plus grands négociants en pétrole au monde, et ses suites : règlements judiciaires, controverses médiatiques, et près de 200 000 victimes en quête de justice.

Puisant dans des archives, des documents confidentiels et des témoignages de première main, le film est une enquête saisissante sur l’impunité des grandes entreprises et le prix payé par les plus vulnérables.

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About the Director

Bagassi Koura is an award-winning journalist and Supervisory International Broadcaster at the Voice of America. With a career spanning three continents, Koura has reported for major outlets including Reuters TV, AFP, and PBS Frontline/World. He is a graduate of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and a former Heinz-Kühn-Stiftung fellow.

His acclaimed film, The Stinking Ship, won the Margaret and William Hearst Documentary Prize and Best Short Film at the United Nations Association Film Festival. His work continues to provide vital coverage of African issues for a global audience.

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Technical Specifications

• Runtime: 26 minutes
• Language: English, French
• Genre: Documentary
• Release Date: 2010