JAKARTA, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- One crew member died and two others suffered chemical poisoning in a vessel fire believed to have been caused by a chemical leak off Kabaena Island in Indonesia’s Southeast Sulawesi province on Tuesday.
Kendari Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas) received information about the fire involving KM Legenda Nusantara 99 at 8.35 am local time, and 13 people were evacuated following the incident.
The agency's Operations Head Saiful identified the deceased as second officer John Petro, while captain Sahriar and oiler Yudi Bagus suffered chemical poisoning and required emergency medical assistance.
“The fire is believed to have been caused by a chemical leak on board the vessel, which was carrying chemicals and heavy equipment from Jakarta to Morowali,” he said, as reported by Antara news agency.
He said those on board were initially rescued by a passing vessel before the Basarnas team was deployed to a rendezvous point in waters off Tampo, Southeast Sulawesi, to carry out the medical evacuation.
The survivors and the body of the deceased crew member were subsequently brought ashore.
-- BERNAMA