Two died in an explosion in a ship in Bintulu waters

BINTULU: Two people died and one person was seriously injured in an explosion involving a ship in Samalaju waters, 23 nautical miles from Samalaju beach, in Bintulu, Sarawak. Bintulu District Police Chief, Superintendent Nixon Joshua said that all the victims involved were crew members.

The incident involving the Icon Amara ship is said to have happened around 10.40pm when the ship was heading to the Patricia platform.

Nixon explained, as soon as he heard the explosion in the engine room, all the staff rushed to the bottom of the ship and found the engine room smoking.

The main door of the engine room was also ripped out before rescue efforts were mobilized, including one victim with severe burns on his face.

It is understood that the incident involved five victims, with two of the other victims being transferred to the JM Purnama ship for initial treatment, while the other three were taken to Bintulu Port.

The identity of the deceased was identified as Assistant Engineer; Muhamad Firdaus Abdul Fatah, 36, from Perak and Oiler, George Ngilah, 24, from Sibu.

Another victim was rushed to Nyabau Hospital for further treatment.

Meanwhile, Head of Sarawak Fire and Rescue Operations, Hendery Ardimanshah said, his side received information to help Bintulu Hospital around 12.57 midnight.

“The fire brigade received a call from the Ministry of Health to assist in the care of the three victims, all three victims were the aftermath of the ship explosion incident.

“The fire department in this case only helps the Ministry of Health manage the injuries and victims involved,” he said when contacted.

It is understood that the vessel operating in the PTTEP SK oil well area is now being towed to Bintulu for further investigation.