Three contractors were killed while another worker was critically injured after a lifeboat accident during maintenance works at the FSO Sepat offshore facility near Terengganu on Sunday.
Maintenance work turns tragic
The incident happened at around 12.50pm during lifeboat maintenance activities at the floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel located at the Sepat oilfield off the coast of Terengganu.
Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor confirmed that four contractor personnel were involved in the incident. Three victims were pronounced dead:
- Ahmad Fiqri Zakaria, 38, from Batu Berendam, Melaka.
- Muhammad Faezuan Hakim Mohammad Bustamam, 28, from Kuantan, Pahang.
- Nik Muhammad Hafifi Asri Ab Majid, 38, from Bandar Indera Mahkota, Pahang.
While another worker (Mohd Taufik Mohd Ruslan, 37, from Banting, Selangor) sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ).
Authorities launch investigation
Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the accident, and all relevant authorities have been informed.
According to Azli Mohd Noor, the four victims had reportedly boarded a lifeboat to descend from the platform and carry out maintenance work on the lower section of the offshore facility.
However, the rope or hook securing the lifeboat is believed to have detached, causing the boat and all four workers to plunge into the sea.
The bodies of the three victims were then taken to the HSNZ Forensic Department for post-mortems while the case is currently being investigated as sudden death.
The company also expressed condolences to the families of the victims affected by the tragedy.
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