Two dead after inhaling gas on ship
By Mary Francis
MIRI: Two sailors - one a foreigner - died after they allegedly inhaled poisonous gas while in the oil tank of a ship anchored at the dockyard in Kuala Baram yesterday.
The victims Roy Lendio Villanvera, 22, a Filipino and Tony Ejam, 26, a local from Aji longhouse in Sungai Selepin, Bakong, Baram were believed to have been overcome by poisonous gas in the petrol tank.
According to sources, the cargo ship registered in Labuan had anchored at the dockyard of Kuala Baram for cleaning purposes.
Prior to cleaning, it was normal practice for all parts of the ship including the tank to be opened up to release all residual poisonous gas.
In the incident which occurred at around 7.45 am, Roy was said to have collapsed after he entered the tank to clean it.
Upon seeing his condition, Tony lifted the ladder in the tank and went down to assist the victim. But he too was overcome by the gas and became unconscious.
Several workers nearby pulled out the two victims from the tank and tried to resuscitate them but to no avail. Both victims died without regaining consciousness.
Miri Police Chief Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Abang Abdillah Datuk Abang Othman when contacted confirmed the case.
We will investigate every corner including calling several witnesses to find out the cause of the tragedy, he said.
The bodies of Roy and Tony, both married, were later brought by a police vehicle to Miri Hospital at about 9.45 am for a postmortem.