Indian dock workers loading coal or ballast onto the general cargo heavy lift ship Empire Elaine (1942) at Calcutta.

Indian dock workers transferring coal or ballast from a wooden lighter alongside the general cargo heavy lift ship Empire Elaine (1942) at Calcutta. The coal or ballast is being loaded by hand into wicker baskets and carried on the heads of men up sloping boards from the hold of the lighter to its deck and then up more sloping boards to the deck of the Empire Elaine (1942). The photographer is looking down from the Empire Elaine (19420 abreast the 5 ton derricks amidships.