SIBU: A fire destroyed an express boat at Sibu Express Boat Terminal here at about 6.40am yesterday.
Another express boat alongside the razed Jaya Express was also slightly affected by the fire, but no casualties were reported as the boats were not operational at the time of incident.
Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) Sibu assistant controller (Region II) Hatta Morshidi said quick action by the boat owner to tow the gutted boat away prevented the fire from further spreading to other boats berthed there.
He added that this was the first time such an incident occurred at the terminal here. “No casualties are reported as the boats are not operational at the time of incident.
“We have already contacted the relevant authorities such as the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and police to investigate the cause of the fire together with SRB,” he said when contacted.
Meanwhile, according to the state Bomba Operation Centre (PGO), the Sibu Fire Station received a distress call at 6.40am.
A team comprising nine firemen were immediately deployed to the scene, headed by the station chief Melvin Amuk.
The vehicles despatched included Fire Rescue Tender (FRT), Emergency Medical Services (EMRS) and one Hilux.
The boats were towed to the middle of Igan River to douse the flame and the operation ended at 7.13am.
