Fishing boat explosion leaves one dead and two injured in Pulau Tinggi

MERSING: An explosion on the deck of a fishing boat killed one and left two injured near Pulau Tinggi here.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Mersing zone director Maritime Commander Suhaizan Saadin said the incident took place four nautical miles (about 7km) west of the island between 7am and 8am Thursday (Aug 17).

"Four men, including a skipper, were on the boat when the explosion happened.

"The 57-year-old skipper suspected that the loud noise came from an air-conditioner onboard and it was followed by a fire," he said in a statement.

The deceased victim was identified as Muhmad Arodi Sulaiman, 43.

Two other crew, aged 43 and 59, sustained injuries while the skipper was unhurt, said Suhaizan.

"The surviving victims were also given medical attention after they were brought to the Mersing marine police jetty," he said, adding that the police were still investigating the cause of the explosion.

Those with maritime emergencies or complaints are encouraged to contact the Johor maritime operations centre hotline at 07-2199 404 or MERS 999 for assistance.