ICG ships deployed to contain fire in oil tanker rescue 22 crew, 1 missing

at 3:51 pm

New Delhi (NVI): Indian Coast Guard (ICG) today rescued 22 out of 23 crew members from oil tanker ‘MT New Diamond’ off the east coast of Sri Lanka, after it was deployed for firefighting and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations on Thursday.

The search for one missing crew member (Filipino) is underway. The rescue operation is being jointly carried out by Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, ICG ships, and Sri Lankan Navy, and two emergency towing vessels deployed by India, according to ICG.

The Indian Coast Guard took to twitter in this regard and stated, “Concerted joint #SAR & #FireFighting efforts by ICG Ships, SL Navy & tugs resulted in rescue of 22 out of 23 crew safely. Search for 01 missing crew (Filipino) in progress. No oil spill reported in area. 02 Emergency Towing Vessels being deployed by GoI for #MTNewDiamond.”

Furthermore, ICG firefighting ships successfully doused the fire earlier this morning.

So far no oil spill has been reported in area, the officials said.

The Coast Guard yesterday diverted ICG Ships Shaurya, Sarang and Samudra Paheredar, besides a Dornier aircraft for firefighting and rescue operation, after Sri Lankan Navy sought their assistance.

-CHK