KUDAT: The body of a fisherman, who was reported missing and feared drowned during an explosion at the fish market jetty on Sunday, was found yesterday.
The remains of the victim, identified as Vaeray Jalan, was found by the public around 2.40pm yesterday, about 300 metres from where he was first reported missing.
It was learnt that a fire broke out between 5pm and 6pm on Sunday at the fish market jetty, which also destroyed three vessels.
An explosion was also reported after several barrels of diesel and petrol that were kept near the area caught fire.
It was learnt that the victim was thrown into the sea during the blast.
State Fire and Rescue Services Department public relations officer Senior Assistant Superintendent Mohd Affendy Ramin said firefighters from the Kota Marudu fire and rescue station faced difficulty in controlling the fire due to the burning of diesel and petrol.
“We managed to control the fire around 7.30pm on Sunday and a search operation was launched to locate the victim.
“The victim’s body was found around 2.40pm on Monday and has been taken to the Kudat Hospital for a post-mortem,” he said yesterday.
Mohd Affendy added the cause of the fire and total loss were still under investigation.