A fatal accident has occurred aboard the Sepat floating storage and offloading unit (FSO) off the coast of Malaysia during maintenance work involving a lifeboat.
According to reports, four contractors were conducting a technical inspection on the lifeboat when it suddenly fell into the water. Preliminary information suggests that the incident may have been caused by a snapped cable or a malfunction in the hook release system.
The injured individuals were transported to a hospital in Kuala Terengganu. Three of them later died from their injuries, while the fourth person remains in stable condition.
The operating company initially stated that the incident had occurred during a drill, but later confirmed that the accident took place during maintenance operations.
Maritime safety experts note that lifeboats are considered among the most hazardous pieces of equipment in the shipping industry due to their elevated positioning and complex mechanical systems.
