Five workers were killed and another injured after fire erupted inside a tanker at Singapore-based marine services provider ASL Marine Holdings' shipyard in Batam, Indonesia.
An initial investigation has revealed that the fire broke out inside the tanker's pump room, which was undergoing repair at one of the yards' dry docks.
The fire was eventually confined to the pump room, however this ultimately led to the death and injury of the workers, who were understood to be present there at the time.
ASL Marine said in a statement: “Whilst this may restrict damage and deaths, nevertheless five people died and one person is injured, they were employees of our subcontractor.
“Initial investigations suggest that there was no explosion.”
ASL is planning to carry out an in-depth inquiry to identify the cause of the fire and is expected to suspend works on the tanker during the investigation.
The company is also working with the authorities in Indonesia to establish a conclusive account of the incident.
ASL further added: “As a matter of priority, we will be working diligently together with our subcontractor to help the affected workers and their families, and are rendering the necessary assistance to them.”
The company currently provides shipbuilding, ship repair and conversion, marine vessel chartering, marine engineering and other related services to customers worldwide.
ASL operates shipyards in Singapore; Batam, Indonesia; and Guangdong, China.
