This has been stated in the draft report of the two-member committee formed by Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to probe the oil spillage, it was learnt from official sources.

The committee completed its draft report on Thursday but did not submit it to the authorities.

The oil tanker belonging to Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) was carrying some 990.3 tonnes of crude.

The report said the crude was loaded in ballast tanks instead of cargo tanks, where this was supposed to be kept. This is an irregularity, the committee said.

The head of the probe body, Captain Faridul Alam, who is also the Assistant Harbour Master of CPA, unofficially informed Shipping Secretary Ismail Jabiullah of the findings at a meeting at Chittagong Port rest house on Thursday.

CPA Chairman AMM Shahadat Hossain, BSC MD Captain Azizul Haq and other high officials concerned were also present.

The probe body also made six recommendations to stop such oil spillage in future. These are precautionary measures while carrying oil in such tankers and replacement of the hydraulic valves of the supply lines.

The oil spillage spread over some 15 kilimetre area in the Bay and in the port channel of Karnaphuli river, causing a massive pollution.

Scores of dead fishes started surfacing on the sea, creating concern in different quarters.

The spillage also prompted formation of two other probe bodies, one by the Marine Fisheries Department and the other by the Bangladesh Forest Research Institute in Cox's Bazar.