Petronas says investigations ongoing after fatal lifeboat incident at Sepat platform in Terengganu-Kelantan waters

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 25 — Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has confirmed that three contractor personnel were killed while another was critically injured during lifeboat maintenance work at the Sepat platform in Terengganu-Kelantan waters yesterday.

In a statement today, Petronas said investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing in coordination with the relevant authorities.

“Petronas extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. The company’s immediate priority is to support the well-being of those affected,” the statement said.

Last night Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor said the incident occurred at about 12.50pm when all four victims were believed to have boarded a lifeboat on the platform to descend to the sea for maintenance work on the lower section of the platform.

He said the rope attached to the lifeboat was believed to have detached, causing the boat and all four victims to fall into the sea.

The deceased were identified as Ahmad Fiqri Zakaria, 38, from Batu Berendam, Melaka; Muhammad Faezuan Hakim Mohammad Bustamam, 28, from Kuantan, Pahang; and Nik Muhammad Hafifi Asri Ab Majid, 38, from Bandar Indera Mahkota, Pahang.

The injured victim, Mohd Taufik Mohd Ruslan, 37, from Banting, Selangor, is currently receiving treatment in critical condition at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here. — Bernama