Flames reignite in MT New Diamond

A fire has erupted again inside the oil tanker MT New Diamond as a result of extreme temperature and high wind, Navy Spokesman Captain Indika de Silva said.

He said high winds were triggered by prevailing adverse weather condition in the sea area where the distressed vessel has been positioned, about 30 nautical miles off Sangamankanda Point.

By 3.00 p.m. yesterday, the disaster management teams were able to douse the fire onboard the oil tanker.
  
“Further, they have been working in full swing to continue disaster management operations to prevent a recurrence of fire, using fire smothering agents like water and chemicals,” he said.

He said several ships, aircraft and tugs belonged to Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Indian Navy and Coast Guard and other stakeholders are working in collaboration to contain the flames. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)