Distressed oil tanker New Diamond has drifted close to 25 nautical miles off the shore by early this morning, the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) said.
The oil tanker caught fire 38 nautical miles off Sangamankanda Point east of Sri Lanka yesterday.
The SLN said via Twitter that the superstructure at the rear of the ship is still on fire and it has not affected the ship’s crude storage area.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said concerted joint search and rescue, and firefighting efforts by ICG Ships, Sri Lanka Navy and tugs have resulted in the rescue of 22 out of 23 crew safely.
Search operations for 01 missing crew, a Philippine national, is in progress, the ICG said via Twitter.
The ICG further said no oil spill has been reported in area, adding that 02 Emergency Towing Vessels have been deployed by the Government of India for the oil tanker.
Chairperson of the Marine Environment Protection Authority Dharshani Lahandapura has said the incident must be considered as a major damage that could be caused not only to the Sri Lankan Coast but the biggest ever destruction that could be caused to the marine environment in the World.
According to Derana TV, she explained that such a powerful destruction could take place if the fire is not contained.
Lahandapura further said sever destruction to the marine environment from Kirinda towards the Easter Costal area is imminent.
Sri Lanka does not have sufficient time to prepare to face an oil spill at the moment, she added. (Newswire)