One missing after fire on drilling vessel off Malaysia

One worker is missing after the offshore drilling vessel 'Geos' caught fire off Sarawak, in Malaysian waters, South China Sea, in the morning hours of 17 April.

According to initial reports, at about 3am, an explosion occurred in the vessel's engine room which led to the fire.

At that time, 38 crew were onboard, who had to jump off the ship when the fire erupted. 37 crewmen were recovered from the water, while one remains unaccounted for.

The vessel is reportedly owned by a KL-based company, subcontractor of state-owned giant Petronas. In a media statement, Petronas said a rescue operation has been launched for the missing worker.

Meanwhile, Miri Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said a media conference will be held at the MMEA office later today.

source: safety4sea