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Two vessels, one a
bulk carrier registered in Liberia and a container ship, collided
off the coast here, causing a huge fire in the middle of the
Straits of Malacca.
Marine police and the marine department received an SOS call from
the bulk carrier after it caught fire in the collision which
occurred at about 9.30pm last night.
The fire could be seen from the town area.
Port Dickson OCPD Supt Mazlan Othman said rescue teams plucked 14
crew members from the bulk carrier from the sea after arriving at
the scene.
Unconfirmed reports said that another ship, which was in the
vicinity, also caught fire but it was put out by its crew.
“We have intensified rescue efforts as we believe several crew
members on the stricken bulk carrier are missing or trapped,” he
said.
Supt Mazlan said he did not know yet if the accident occurred in
international or Malaysian waters.
He said fishermen in the area were helping out in search and
rescue operations.
“We have cordoned off the area as there were several explosions on
the vessel,” he said.
It is learnt that the bulk carrier was coming in to Port Dickson
for repairs.
The bulk carrier was still ablaze as at 11.30pm.
Efforts by reporters to get to the scene were futile because
authorities had prohibited them from going near the vessels.
Townsfolk were shocked when they heard several explosions since
there are two oil refineries in the area. |
