Four fishermen survive boat explosion in Marang

KUALA TERENGGANU: Four fishermen cheated death when their boat exploded and burst into flame before sinking five nautical miles off Chendering, Marang near here, Saturday night.

Terengganu Fisheries Department director Zawawi Ali (pic) said the four victims from Marang were on their way to catch squids in waters off Marang when the incident happened at 8pm.

He said a modification to the boat engine's fuel tank could have caused a gas leak, resulting in the explosion and fire.

"The four victims were rescued by other fishermen fishing close-by. However, one of them, Saludin Mustafa, 55, sustained scalded legs and hands," he said on Sunday.

Zawawi said losses were estimated at RM60,000 and the actual cause of the incident was still being investigated.

He said Saludin was taken to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here for treatment and was reported to be stable. - Bernama