Six Missing as Tanker Sinks in Malaysian Waters

June 19, 2017

Six crew members were reported missing after their vessel, the oil tanker Putri Sea, sank in Malaysian waters some 4.6 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Pengelih, Johor on June 15.

The Equatorial Guinea-flagged tanker is believed to have suffered an explosion which reportedly started in the ship’s engine room. The tanker subsequently sank.

The country’s naval units, police department and marine department, as well as other authorities, are involved in the search efforts, according to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

On June 18, the Malaysian Navy informed that an underwater object, which is believed to be the missing Putri Sea, was detected. Divers were deployed to confirm the identity of the wreck.

The tanker is believed to have been loaded with an unknown quantity of oil. Oil spill traces have appeared at the site and relevant authorities are working on containing the spill.

MMEA informed that the cause of the incident is under investigation.