One crew member of MT New Diamond Crude Oil Tanker reported dead: Sri Lanka Navy

COLOMBO (News 1st): Reports suggest an individual who worked in the boiler room of the MT New Diamond Crude Oil Tanker had died, Sri Lanka Navy Spokesperson, Captain Indika De Silva said on Friday (Sep 04). According to Captain Indika De Silva, this was confirmed based on statements from the crew of the vessel. A total of 22 crew members who served on board the MT New Diamond Crude Oil Tanker were rescued. One member is receiving treatment at the Kalmunai Hospital, according to Sri Lanka Navy. "The remaining crew members have joined the efforts to douse the fire aboard the vessel," Navy media spokesperson noted. Sri Lanka Navy is continuing measures to douse the fire reported aboard the distressed crude oil tanker in the seas off Sangaman Kanda. The efforts are underway jointly by Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Ports Authority with the assistance of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Three vessels belonging to Sri Lanka Navy, two ships from the Indian Navy, two ships that were docked at the Hambantota Port have also joined the efforts, Sri Lanka Navy said. Another vessel belonging to the company which owns the distressed New Diamond oil tanker has also arrived at the scene to douse the fire, Captain Indika De Silva - Navy Media Spokesperson said. Captain Indika De Silva further said Sri Lanka Air Force has deployed its “Beechcraft” aircraft to monitor the situation aboard the distressed tanker. He further said an MI-17 helicopter belonging to Sri Lanka Air Force was also deployed to assist the operation. The New Diamond oil tanker sailing under the flag of Panama, caught fire in the Eastern seas of Sri Lanka yesterday morning. The vessel had been transporting 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil and 1,700 metric tonnes of diesel from Kuwait's Minal al Ahmadi Port to the Pradip Port in India. The fire broke out following a gas explosion in the kitchen of the New Diamond vessel was reported to Sri Lanka Navy yesterday morning (Sep 03). "A team from the Marine Environment Protection Authority will leave for the area where the ship is located today (Sep 04), Dr. Turney Pradeep Kumara, the General Manager of the Marine Environment Protection Authority said.