Working Conditions Aboard the Onsan-Chemi

The 'Awasan Pioneer', a tanker transporting caustic soda, experienced an unexpected interruption in its journey to Kendawangan, located in the Ketapang Regency of southwest Kalimantan, on February 2, 2020. Following the emergence of health concerns, the vessel was directed to moor at the Pontianak anchorage in western Kalimantan. The tanker subsequently anchored off the coast of Pontianak at coordinates 00° 2.71' N 109° 0.56' E and was placed under quarantine. Notably, seven out of the 22 crew members exhibited symptoms resembling those of the coronavirus, including fever, fatigue, cough, and sore throat. The 'Awasan Pioneer' originated from Shunan prior to the quarantine order.

On April 18, an explosion was triggered by a fire in the midship section of the tanker "No. 3 Heung A Pioneer" while it was approximately two hours from the Port in Seberang Perai, anchored near Tanjung Dawai. Emergency services, including the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Department (JPAM), Butterworth Police Station, and medical personnel from Seberang Jaya Hospital, quickly mobilized and prepared for the ship's arrival, which was about 45 minutes away by 10 PM. The tanker reached the port around midnight, where onboard medical teams assessed the situation. Tragically, one crew member, Tha Tun, 35, was confirmed dead, and the body was collected for post-mortem at the Seberang Jaya Hospital. Meanwhile, five other injured crew members were promptly transported to the hospital, where they are now reported to be in stable condition. The injured include Kang Seongjin, 18, from South Korea, alongside Myanmar nationals Zwe Ko Ko Hte, 28, La Min Hoo, 32, Kyaw Win (Mohd Fareez), 23, and Thai Nung (Mohd Fazreen), 25. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, but it's noteworthy that port operations were not disrupted by the incident. The "No. 3 Heung A Pioneer" had just completed its delivery at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) located at Dermaga Dalam, Butterworth, and was en route back to Singapore when the explosion occurred.

A devastating gas explosion rocked the 'No. 3 Heung-a-Pioneer' at approximately 10 p.m. on April 18, 2016, shortly after the vessel departed from Penang. The incident, which originated in a cargo tank, resulted in the tragic death of a crew member from Myanmar and injuries to five others. In the aftermath of the explosion, the tanker, which was en route to Singapore, swiftly returned and anchored in Penang roads by 11 p.m. Emergency services were immediately alerted, and the injured crew members were transported to the hospital for urgent medical attention. The accident was further complicated by a fire that erupted amidships, underscoring the dangers faced by maritime workers during such unforeseen incidents.