Chinese fishing vessel sinks in Penang waters

GEORGE TOWN: A large Chinese commercial fishing vessel ship has sunk in Permatang Damar Laut south of Penang island, not far from the coastline where Penang airport's runway ends.

The ship, which has Chinese characters as its name, is believed to have run into the remains of a shipwreck nicknamed 'Kapal Simen' (Cement Ship), which is not far from the shoreline.

Kapal Simen is about two kilometres from Penang island and partly visible from the shore during moon phases when the tide is extra low.

It is not known why the cargo ship ventured into the shallow waters at about 10am Thursday morning.

Netizens who posted pictures of the sinking ship have raised fears of the ship spilling oil and polluting Penang waters.

State Marine Department officers are rushing to the location and are expected to issue a statement soon.