Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar.  The Bali Regional Police Forensic Laboratory (Labfor) has been investigating the cause of the recent fire aboard the tanker ship Elisabeth 1, which occurred near Gili Tepekong, Karangasem, Bali.

Senior Superintendent I Nyoman Sukena, the Bali Police Head of Forensic Laboratory, said on Monday (12/8/2024) that the investigation has been delayed due to the unstable condition of the ship and lingering carbon dioxide fumes. 

"We have collected samples twice but need to wait until the ship stabilizes for further investigation," he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The fire, which broke out around 3 am local time on 3 August 2024, resulted in the death of five out of the 21 crew members. The ship, which was en route to Sumbawa with fuel, caught fire about one mile from Gili Tepekong.

The ship has been towed near the Manggis Fuel Terminal in Karangasem. PT. Arta Samudera Line, the ship's owner, stated there was no pollution or leakage, and all remaining fuel will be transferred to ensure smooth distribution.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)