Two divers and a divemaster killed by a fish bomb?

Last Friday, July 5, three people died while diving in Malaysia. Two tourists from China and a local divemaster died in the waters near Semporna. Local media report that their deaths were most likely caused by the explosion of a homemade bomb used by poachers to catch fish.

Two divers from China, Zhao Zheng and Xu Yingjie, together with a local guide, began their dive at around 17:00 local time. According to witnesses, several vessels belonging to “sea gypsies”, who are accused of poaching with fish bombs, were circling the site of their dive.

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Local tourist operators blame the aforementioned poachers, but the police are still gathering information and trying to establish the causes of the tragedy. A statement and an official position of the investigating services can be expected soon.

[blockquote style=”2″]”We heard from some witnesses that there were fishing boats nearby, but no one actually heard the bombs going off,” said Datuk Omar Mammah, Sabah police commissioner [/blockquote]Datuk Winston Liaw, president of the Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA), condemned fishermen using bombs while fishing and urged the authorities to take immediate action to target those engaging in the practice.

[blockquote style=”2″]”Actions should be taken that will serve as a lesson to everyone. Otherwise, they will continue to do it and nothing will change,” Liaw said [/blockquote]Analysing the Malaysian side’s approach to the whole situation, it can be assumed that due to the international nature of the incident, as well as the desire to reassure tourists that the authorities are operating efficiently and safely, there will be a quick capture of the possible perpetrators, who will be given severe punishments.

Source: thestar.com.my
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