Probe ongoing after fatal vessel incident near oil platform leaves two dead and one seriously injured

A week and a half after reports surfaced about a tragic accident that occurred on one of its platform supply vessels (PSVs), Icon Offshore, Malaysia’s offshore support vessel (OSV) provider, has confirmed the incident that took two lives and left one worker seriously injured in the waters off the coast of Sarawak, Malaysia.

While acknowledging the delay in releasing details about a vessel incident, Icon Offshore explained that the event occurred on August 2, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m. on the PSV Icon Amara in the vicinity of the Sapar Alpha platform near Bintulu.

“Please be informed that there was a delay in releasing details about this incident, as we worked closely with our client and the relevant authorities to ensure all information was accurate and appropriately handled. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we collaborate to address this challenging situation,” underscored the Malaysian firm.

With a 3,500-dwt, the 2011-built DP2 PSV Icon Amara, which is 77 meters long and can accommodate 60 people, has the capability of maneuvering and operating in adverse weather conditions accurately in deep water while supplying various types of drilling rigs and platforms. This Malaysian-built diesel electric PSV has a 750 m² main deck cargo area.

The vessel provider emphasized: “We are deeply saddened to report that this incident resulted in two fatalities and one serious injury. Icon’s Emergency Response Team was immediately mobilised to provide the necessary support to the affected crew members and their next-of-kin.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and our deepest sympathies to the injured and their families. The company is committed to offering all possible assistance during this difficult time.”

According to a statement from Nixon Joshua Ali, Bintulu Police Chief Superintendent, the tragedy occurred due to an explosion in the ship’s lower deck, however, the exact cause of the incident is yet to be disclosed.

“A total of 16 crew members working for an oil and gas company were startled by a loud explosion from somewhere below the ship’s deck. They went down to investigate and saw smoke billowing out of the engine room with the main door blown off its hinges due to the force of the explosion. Upon closer inspection, the workers found one victim with severe injuries, including burns on his face and hands, and two more were found dead,” elaborated Ali.

Based on the information provided by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Operations Centre, three emergency medical rescue services (EMRS) personnel from the Bintulu Bomba station were dispatched to the Bintulu Port jetty to assist Ministry of Health (MOH) staff from Bintulu Hospital, which corroborated the deaths of two workers, while the third one was transported to the hospital.

Icon Offshore has underlined its full cooperation with the relevant authorities in an investigation into the cause of the fatal incident, which is currently underway. The company assures all stakeholders that the PSV Icon Amara, along with its crew members, is fully insured during the probe and expects the vessel to be restored to active duty after the completion of the investigation.

While clarifying that the vessel incident is not likely to have a material impact on its overall operations or financial performance, Icon Offshore reiterates its commitment to the safety and well-being of all personnel, highlighting its intention to take all necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.