Navy and Air Force still fight to douse fire on-board of MT New Diamond
September 08, 2020Navy Spokesman Capt. Indika De Silva said with dropping of Dry Chemical Powder amidst existing windy weather condition and continuous fire fighting operations, flames on-board MT New Diamond has been controlled to a greater extent.
Capt. De Silva said 20 crew members of the burning crude oil tanker were brought to the Hambantota Port today (8) and on embarkation they were directed for PCR tests.
The Navy Spokesman said all crew members were in good health and they had been transferred to an isolated location taking precautionary measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus.
According to De Silva, drifting of MT New Diamond towards the island has been controlled using a tug boat retaining it over 28 nautical miles.
Sri Lanka Air Force sources said over 500 kilos of Dry Chemical Powder sacks were dropped at the flames today using a Bell 212 Helicopter to contain the fire.