On August 12, 2025, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) intercepted an unmanned vessel, often referred to as a “ghost ship,” near the Semangkok A oil platform off the coast of Terengganu. This tanker, weighing approximately 293 tonnes, was found drifting dangerously close to the offshore facility, prompting significant concern regarding potential collisions with maritime infrastructure. The Kuantan Maritime Rescue Sub Centre received reports of the drifting ship from its Johor Bahru counterparts, highlighting the vessel’s infiltration into restricted waters.
First Admiral Mazlan Mat Rejab, director of Pahang MMEA, confirmed that the agency’s Special Action and Rescue (STAR) team boarded the tanker at around 6:58 PM and secured it for towing to the Kemaman Supply Base (KSB) in Terengganu. The interception is particularly significant given the vessel’s suspected link to a tragic incident earlier in the month—an August 7 fire off Tanjung Sedili, Johor, which resulted in the death of a 42-year-old Indonesian crew member and injuries to four others. That incident was located approximately 36 nautical miles east of Tanjung Sedili Kechil.
The “ghost ship” is scheduled to arrive at KSB on August 15, where it will undergo a thorough inspection to confirm its identity and ascertain if any victims remain onboard. The salvage operation aims to ensure the vessel’s safety while facilitating further investigation related to the Johor tanker fire. This multi-agency operation involved efforts from MMEA’s Dauphin AS365 N3 helicopter, the Marine Department, and several oil and gas companies including Petronas Carigali, Vestigo Petroleum, Jadestone Energy, and Jasa Merin.
While the identification of the vessel is pending, authorities are treating the drift and its association with the August 7 incident as critical pieces of an ongoing investigation into maritime safety risks in Malaysia’s congested offshore waters. The situation underscores the importance of vigilant maritime surveillance and response strategies to protect both lives and energy infrastructure in these busy maritime zones.
Source link
