ALOR GAJAH: A chemical leak on board a ship at the Kuala Linggi jetty here resulted in the death of a ship's crew member, while another three have been rushed to the Alor Gajah Hospital for treatment.
The chemical leak at the ship’s engine room took place at about 5.30pm on Wednesday. Firemen from the Masjid Tanah and Alor Gajah stations rushed to the scene at 5.59pm.
It was learnt that the victim, T. Sathis, 31 from Kuala Selangor had suffered breathing difficulties while he was working near the engine room.
Sathis, who had only been working for the last eight days, was said to have fallen unconscious near the engine room of the coastal support vessel.
It was also learnt that three other crew members in their thirties, who were also on board, developed breathing difficulties but managed to escape in time.
Masjid Tanah Fire and Rescue Service Department operations commander, senior fire officer II Ismail Iskandar Shah Abdullah said they received an emergency call at 5.37pm.
"Upon arriving at the scene, we were informed that there was a male victim who has fallen unconscious due to breathing difficulties at the engine room.
"A hazardous materials unit (Hazmat) team from the Alor Gajah fire-station, was also involved in the operation and succeeded in retrieving the victim at about 6.20pm," he said.
However, Ismail said the victim was pronounced dead by a medical officer who was at the scene of the incident.
The rescue operation, which involved 14 firefighters ended at 8.30pm.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the leak.