New Delhi (NVI): Indian Coast Guard (ICG) today deployed three ships and an aircraft for a Search & Rescue (SAR) and firefighting mission, after the Sri Lankan Navy sought assistance to control a fire onboard an oil tanker off the east coast of the island nation.
The Coast Guard diverted ICG Ships Shaurya, Sarang and Samudra Paheredar, besides a Dornier aircraft for firefighting and rescuing 23 merchant crew onboard oil tanker MT New Diamond.
ICG received intimation of fire and explosion while Sri Lankan Navy sought its assistance particularly in the light of the likely Oil Spill.
#SavingLives #SAR #FireFighting assistance sought by Sri Lanka Navy from @IndiaCoastGuard for fire and explosion onboard Oil Tanker #MTNewDiamond 37 NM east off #Srilanka coast. #ICG ships and aircraft deployed for immediate assistance @DefenceMinIndia @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/OsvgyZfKq0
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) September 3, 2020
The vessel is reportedly carrying around 3 lakh tonnes of crude oil (Kuwait export) and was on passage from Kuwait to Paradip.
In a joint effort the 22 crew of the ill fated ship have been evacuated.
Meanwhile, ICG has diverted its ships Shaurya and Sarang on patrol, for firefighting and other assistance for the distressed vessel.
Furthermore, ICG Pollution Response Vessel, Samudra Paheradar, has been sailed out of Vishakapatnam for oil spill response. CG Dornier aircraft has been deployed from Chennai for aerial recce.
In addition to this, ICG formations have been alerted for immediate assistance towards Pollution Response. ICG is in constant communication and maintaining coordination with Sri Lankan authorities for the operation.
-CHK
