Sailor dies, five others suffer burns in Penang ship mishap

A sailor was killed while five others suffer burns from an explosion in a ship near the straits of Penang, Monday night.

According to sources, the incident at 10.45am is believed to have been caused by a gas explosion at the ship engine area.

A Malaysian Civil Defence Department (JPAM) spokesperson said the ship’s management team had contacted the agency for assistance.

He said an emergency team was then despatched to the ship at about 11.30pm.

Those injured were rushed to Hospital Seberang Jaya while the sailor’s body was brought to the same hospital for post mortem.

The victims were believed to be foreigners.