KUALA TERENGGANU — A routine maintenance operation turned into a major offshore tragedy yesterday afternoon. Three contract workers died and another sustained critical injuries at a Petronas facility in Terengganu waters. The accident occurred at the Sepat floating storage and offloading platform. This facility is located within the Terengganu-Kelantan maritime boundary.
According to local police reports, the incident took place at around 12:50 PM. At that time, four safety department personnel boarded a platform lifeboat. They intended to lower the vessel to the sea. This action would allow them to carry out maintenance work on the lower section of the platform.
Mechanical Failure Leads to Fall
However, the deployment went wrong very quickly. The rope holding the lifeboat suddenly detached from the main structure. As a result, the craft and all four workers plunged directly into the ocean below.
Rescuers acted immediately to retrieve the men from the water. They brought the crew back to the main platform for emergency care. After that, a medical evacuation helicopter transported the victims to the mainland. An emergency team then rushed them to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital by late afternoon. Sadly, doctors pronounced three of the workers dead upon arrival at the facility.
Identity of the Victims
The authorities later identified the deceased individuals. The victims include Ahmad Fiqri Zakaria, 38, from Melaka. The other two deceased workers are Muhammad Faezuan Hakim Mohammad Bustamam, 28, and Nik Muhammad Hafifi Asri Ab Majid, 38, who both hailed from Pahang.
Meanwhile, the sole survivor is 37-year-old Mohd Taufik Mohd Ruslan from Selangor. He is currently fighting for his life in the intensive care unit. Medical staff noted that he sustained severe bone fractures from the impact.
Official Statements and Investigation
Consequently, Petronas released an official statement regarding the matter. The energy firm expressed deep regret over the loss of life. They also extended heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims.
Furthermore, the company emphasized that its immediate priority is to support the well-being of those affected. They are now working closely with local police to investigate the exact cause of the mechanical failure. Currently, local authorities have classified the case as a sudden death investigation.
