Sabah pump boat explosion mechanical, not linked to fish bomb: Fire Dept

KOTA KINABALU – A search and rescue (SAR) operation for two missing persons at sea in Semporna was launched after a pump boat exploded off Tatangan Island in east coast Sabah.

The district Fire and Rescue Department clarified that the incident so far has no link to a fish bombing incident as reported earlier, but was instead a mechanical explosion that took place in the high seas yesterday.

“According to information provided by witnesses, the incident happened yesterday, but could not confirm how many victims were involved,” said the department. 

The joint SAR operation was carried out by marine police, Sabah Parks, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and also the Fire and Rescue Operation, it said in a statement.

The operation was called off at 5.40pm and will resume tomorrow. – The Vibes, January 12, 2022