AG says MT New Diamond yet to settle claim; MEPA confirms tanker not permitted to leave

by Zulfick Farzan 01-10-2020 | 8:32 PM

Colombo (News 1st); Attorney General Dappula De Livera had informed the Marine Environment Protection Authority the negotiations pertaining to the claim regarding the marine pollution caused by the distressed crude oil tanker, MT New Diamond, are pending and other claims are yet to be settled.

Speaking to News 1st, State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne, the Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General said the

Marine Environment Protection Authority had also informed the Attorney General of the fact the relevant authorities have been informed and instructed, that approval permitting the MT New Diamond to leave Sri Lankan waters will only be granted after the negotiations are completed regarding oil pollution damage.

MEPA Chairperson Darshani Lahandapura confirmed to News 1st, permission was not granted to tow-away the distressed crude oil tanker, the MT New Diamond.

The MT New Diamond crude oil tanker was transporting 270,000 metric tons of crude oil from the port of Meena Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to the Port of Paradip in India when a fire broke out aboard in the eastern seas of Sri Lanka on 03rd September 2020 at around 0800 hrs.

The ship was sailing 38 nautical miles off Sangamankanda Point when it caught fire with an explosion in a boiler in the ship’s main engine room.

The distressed oil tanker in eastern seas was manned by 23 crew members including 5 Greeks and 18 Philippine nationals.

It was also reported that 1700 metric tons of diesel required for the use of the tanker is also stored onboard.

MT New Diamond is a 20-year old crude oil tanker that is 333 meters long and 60 meters wide, and sailed with a Japanese certificate and is registered in Panama.