Three boats on fire off Sabah coast

The three boats on fire as seen from shore,

KOTA KINABALU: Authorities are carrying out investigations to find out the cause of boat fires off Sandakan waters which resulted in the destruction of three boats and injuries to five workers.

Sandakan Fire and Rescue Department chief Haikal Jimmy Ngali Abdullah said the five injured workers were still receiving treatment at the hospital and will have their statements taken by police later.

“So far, we are not sure about the seriousness of their injuries or whether there are any more victims on the boats though some of the other workers claim that one of their workmate is still missing,” he said.

“We are trying to verify this information,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sandakan district police chief Assist Comm Zabidi Mohd Zain said they were still trying to get more information on the incident.

“It’s still unclear what actually happened,” he said.

At about 3pm on Tuesday, three boats ferrying barrels of fuel were destroyed in a fire at sea.