Tanker ship catches fire off Bali, leaving 5 crew dead

When the tanker neared Gili Tepekong, an explosion occurred near the crew's living area, a crew member said.

The chief officer found the helmsman lying on the deck with burns on his body, Karangasem police Chief Nengah Sadiarta said.

The tanker stopped moving and a second explosion then occurred, he said.

"After checking, it was found that there was a fire in the engine room," Sadiarta said.

"The crew gathered at the muster station but there were five people who did not join and were found dead."

Three crew members suffered serious burns and 12 others were being treated for minor injuries, he said.

The captain was reported to be safe.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.