Seven suffer burns in tourist boat explosion in Semporna

Seven men were reported injured after a tourist boat caught fire at the Dive Floating Centre here, yesterday, involving four locals and three illegal immigrants.

Eastern Sabah Security Command commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali said police received a call regarding the incident at 10.30 am and the victims were aged between 18 and 36 years old.

"The incident occurred while four workers were transferring petrol from the boat's fuel tank to a container. A small explosion caused the boat to catch fire.

"There were seven on board at the time," he said, adding that the victims suffered between five to 30 per cent burns on their bodies and are currently receiving treatment at the Tawau Hospital.

In the meantime, he said the case is still under police investigation. Earlier, when contacted by Bernama, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Zaini Jass confirmed the incident and injuries.

--BERNAMA