One killed, four missing following Malaysian tanker fire and explosions
26 July 2012
A series of explosions ripped through a chemical tanker off the coast of Malaysia on 25 July, killing one crew member, while four others were reported missing. The explosions occurred after a fire broke out on board the Malaysian International Shipping Corporation-owned Bunga Alpinia 3, which was alongside the Petronas Methanol terminal in Labuan, off the coast of Sabah in Borneo.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said the body of the dead crewman was found floating in the sea this morning. A total of 29 Malaysian and Filipino crew members were brought safely ashore, with three having sustained minor burn injuries.
Firemen, who rushed to the scene, were forced to withdraw when a series of explosions occurred on board the vessel.
Local sources said the fire could have been started by a lightning strike.