Sri Lanka begins inspection of any damage to marine environment by burned tanker New Diamond

The New Diamond is classified as a very large crude carrier (VLCC). Photo: Bangkok Post. Sketched by the Pan Pacific Agency.

COLOMBO, Sep 8, 2020, News 1st. Sri Lankan authorities will commence an inspection on Tuesday (08) to determine if there is any damage to the marine environment due to this disaster which occurred on the 03rd of September, News 1st reported.

General Manager of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara speaking to News 1st said a 07 member team of experts arrived at the sea area where the distressed ship is located.

02 experts each from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), and the Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology of the University of Ruhuna are a part of the team of experts.

Following a complete inspection, the team is to prepare a report which will be presented to the Attorney General to be used in taking legal action and claiming insurance for damages caused.

Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara speaking to News 1st said the report will be prepared in a period of three days.

Captain Indika De Silva, the Sri Lanka Navy Spokesperson speaking to News 1st the fire-stricken ship is now lying 28 nautical miles (56 km) off Sangamankanda Point.

He said the reignited flames were controlled to a certain extent and the operation to douse the fire is underway and 09 ships and 05 tugs are actively involved in the operation.

Further, 02 vessels from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, 03 Fast Attack Craft of the Sri Lanka Navy are also making their all-out contribution in this disaster management operation which is taking place about 28 nautical miles off Sangamankanda Point.

Sri Lanka Air Force Spokesperson Group Captain Dishan Wijesinghe speaking to News 1st said a SLAF Aircraft was deployed on Tuesday (08) morning as well to monitor the situation on the MT New Diamond Super Tanker.

He said a Bell 212 and Mi-17 helicopters have been positioned at the Ampara Camp of the Sri Lanka Air Force for fire fighting operations adding a flame was observed in the stern of the distressed crude oil tanker and operations to air-drop water and chemicals to contained the fire will take place on Tuesday (08).

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