SIBU: Two crew members of a barge were killed while working on the vessel here on Friday (May 23).
The victims have been identified as Ting Tung Hu, 48, and Tang Sing Kok, 55.
Sibu Fire and Rescue Department chief Andy Alie said a shipping company manager told authorities that the two men were preparing the vessel's hull for welding work when they fell 4m (13ft) into its hull.
"We received a distress call at 9.21am that two men had fallen (between the hull layers) of a barge moored near Jalan Lanang 61.
"Nine firefighters were immediately sent to the scene," he said.
"The victims were retrieved from within the hull using specialised equipment and rope," he added.
However, paramedics pronounced both men dead at the scene.
Andy said it was believed that the two victims accidentally inhaled toxic gas, causing them to lose consciousness and fall.
The victims' bodies have been handed over to police for further action.
