PETRONAS Confirms Three Contractor Fatalities in FSO Sepat Lifeboat Maintenance Incident
On Sunday, 29 September 2024, Malaysia’s national oil and gas company PETRONAS announced that three contractor employees lost their lives while performing routine maintenance on lifeboats aboard the Floating Storage and Offloading vessel (FSO) Sepat. The vessel operates in the Sepat field, located off the coast of Terengganu on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
The workers were pronounced dead upon arrival at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu at approximately 5:57 p.m. local time. A fourth contractor sustained injuries and was evacuated for medical observation; his condition is reported as stable.
What Happened on the FSO Sepat?
According to PETRONAS’s official statement, the incident occurred during scheduled lifeboat maintenance activities. The exact sequence of events leading to the fatalities has not been disclosed, and the company said that an investigation is underway in coordination with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the Marine Department of Malaysia.
Local news outlets such as Bernama and The Star reported that emergency response teams were dispatched immediately after the alarm was raised, and the injured worker was air‑lifted to the hospital for further treatment.
PETRONAS’s Response and Support Measures
In its statement, PETRONAS expressed “deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased” and emphasized that the company’s immediate priority is to provide support to those affected.
- Activation of the company’s crisis‑management protocol, including on‑site safety officers and medical personnel.
- Provision of counseling services and financial assistance to the families of the victims.
- Commitment to transparent communication with authorities and the public as the investigation progresses.
The company also noted that it will review its safety procedures for lifeboat maintenance across all offshore assets to prevent recurrence.
Industry Context and Safety Considerations
Offshore oil and gas operations involve high‑risk activities, particularly when working with lifeboat systems that are critical for emergency evacuation. The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) highlights that lifeboat maintenance and testing account for a notable proportion of offshore incidents, underscoring the need for rigorous procedural controls and competency‑based training.
Malaysia’s DOSH has previously issued guidelines mandating regular inspections, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and documented permit‑to‑work systems for confined‑space and height‑related tasks—elements that are likely to be examined as part of the ongoing inquiry.
While the Sepat field has operated without major safety breaches in recent years, this tragedy serves as a sober reminder of the continual vigilance required in offshore environments.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, PETRONAS has pledged to share findings with relevant regulatory bodies and to implement any recommended safety enhancements. The company’s commitment to learning from the incident aligns with its broader Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) framework, which aims to achieve zero harm across its operations.
For the families of the deceased, the focus now lies on receiving accurate information, compassionate support, and assurance that lessons learned will translate into safer working conditions for all offshore personnel.
References
- PETRONAS. (2024, September 29). Statement on Fatal Incident Involving Contractor Employees at FSO Sepat. Retrieved from petronas.com.
- Bernama. (2024, September 29). Three Contractor Workers Killed in FSO Sepat Lifeboat Maintenance Accident. Retrieved from bernama.com.
- The Star. (2024, September 29). Injured Worker Evacuated After FSO Sepat Lifeboat Accident. Retrieved from thestar.com.my.
- International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). (2023). Safety Performance Indicators – Lifeboat Operations. IOGP Report No. 543.
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia. (2022). Guidelines for Safe Work in Confined Spaces and at Height – Offshore Sector. DOSH Publication.
