India sends plane to tackle fire on crippled oil tanker

A Dornier aircraft with fire-fighting chemicals took off from India's Chennai city to fight fresh fires that broke out on the oil tanker New Diamond off Sri Lanka's northeastern coast. The ship carrying three-lakh metric tonnes of crude oil was chartered by the Indian Oil Corporation.

New Delhi:A Dornier aircraft is being sent from the southern Indian city of Chennai to Trincomalee in Sri Lanka on the northeast coast. It was carrying 700 kilograms of dry chemical powder (DCP) for fire fighting operation on board the striken oil tanker MT New Diamond.

The Indian Navy on Monday said re-ignition of the fire was observed on the starboard side of the New Diamond.

"Re-ignition of fire observed on Starboard (Right) side of MT New Diamond. Fire-fighting and boundary cooling efforts intensified to bring the fire under control. Salvage Team has arrived at the scene. Additional assets, salvage personnel & FF equipment also en route," Indian Navy said in a tweet.

On Sunday the Indian Coast Guard said the fire onboard MT New Diamond off Sri Lanka coast has been doused.

The ICG had been engaged in fire fighting and pollution response operation for MT New Diamond since September 3.

New Diamond caught fire after a major explosion in its engine room on September 3 when it was transiting in Sri Lankan exclusive economic zone.

The large 333-metre long crude carrier is carrying over three lakh metric tons of crude oil for the Indian Oil Corporation from Kuwait to Paradip.

(ANI REPORT)