SIBU, 23 May 2025 – A routine maintenance job turned fatal this morning when two local men lost their lives after falling into a narrow enclosed space on a barge near the Toyota Centre, Lorong Lanang 61.
The victims, identified as Ting Tung Hu, 48, and Tang Sing Kok, 55, were carrying out maintenance work when the tragic incident occurred around 9:00am. According to authorities, the men were pumping out water in preparation for welding when they fell into the tight space of the ship and were believed to have inhaled toxic gas.
Fire and Rescue personnel from the Sibu Sentral Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) were dispatched to the scene following an emergency call received at 9.21am. The team, led by Sibu Zone JBPM Chief Andy Alie, arrived promptly and initiated a rescue operation using breathing apparatus and a rope-pulley system to retrieve the victims from the confined area, which was estimated to be three metres deep.
“The first victim was found face down near the stairs. The second victim was found lying on his back about one metre away,” said Andy in a statement to the media. Both men were quickly pulled out and handed over to the Ministry of Health (KKM), but tragically, they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death is believed to be due to inhalation of toxic gas within the enclosed space, which lacked proper ventilation. This incident has sparked concerns about the safety protocols followed during ship maintenance works, especially in confined areas where hazardous gases can accumulate.
Authorities are urging all maritime and industrial employers to prioritise confined space safety training and ensure all necessary precautions are in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent to the hospital for a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.
