INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The New Diamond, a 20-year old very large crude carrier, was carrying around 2,70,000 tonnes of Kuwaiti crude from
Mina-Al-Ahmadi to Paradip in Odisha when it caught fire on 3 September
In a massive effort, Indian Navy and Coast Guard in
association with Sri Lankan Navy averted a major environmental disaster when they put out a fire onboard a fully laden Indian Oil Corp (IOC)
chartered super tanker, saving the entire cargo and preventing an oil spill."This is a story of great coordination and superb
multi-disciplinary efforts
Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy alongside Sri Lankan Navy have successfully put out the fire on New Diamond vessel," said Shrikant Madhav
Vaidya, chairman of Indian Oil Corp (IOC).The New Diamond -- a 20-year old very large crude carrier (VLCC) controlled by New Shipping -- was
carrying around 2,70,000 tonnes of Kuwaiti crude from Mina-Al-Ahmadi to Paradip in Odisha when it caught fire in the engine room early on
September 3, close to 38 nautical miles off Sri Lanka's east coast."The fire has been doused and the 2 million barrels (2,70,000 tonnes)
crude cargo is safe," he said
"It was a tremendous effort by Indian and Sri Lankan navies and coast guards which pressed multiple ships and aircraft into service."A major
ecological disaster was in offing if the cargo had caught fire or the oil spilled into the sea.Of the 22 personnel on board, 21 were
rescued, he said."The entire cargo was saved," he said
"Imagine the environmental disaster that would have happened if the two million barrels of crude oil on the ship would have caught fire or
spilled into the sea".The coordinated fire-fighting and rescue effort helped avert a Mauritius-like disaster where a Japanese bulk carrier
MV Wakashio struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean Island on July 25, and began spilling oil 6 August."Thankfully, the cargo of crude oil
We have averted an environmental disaster," he said.Vaidya said a salvage team is now inspecting the ship for the damage and would decide on
the future course of action including towing the vessel to a location for the transfer of crude oil to another ship for onward movement to
Paradip.Panama-flagged vessel MT New Diamond was loaded with 2,70,000 tonnes (2 million barrels) of Kuwaiti crude at Mina-Al-Ahmadi in
Kuwait and was headed to Paradip.The vessel is owned by Proto Emporios Shipping Inc, Liberia while the technical and commercial operator is
New Shipping Ltd of Greece.The vessel caught fire when it was at a distance of 38 nautical miles off the Sangaman Kanda Point.The Sri Lankan
Navy sought the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) which immediately deployed ships Shaurya, Sarang and Sujoy and a Dorner aircraft
for fire-fighting.On September 4, the mission was also joined by Indian Navy ships, Sahyadri and Shakti, and two Sri Lankan naval vessels
The mission was augmented by two tugs, Rawana and wasamba, from Hambantota port and Alp Winger, an anchor handling/fire-fighting tug.The
fire was completely doused by night of 8 September, he said.Mid-way through the mission, a two-metre crack was observed near the engine room
ICG vessels Ameya and Abheek were deployed, carrying oil spill dispersant chemicals and foam.New Diamond was first towed away from the
Lankan shore and the fire was doused using a combination of foam and fire-extinguisher powder."Once the salvage team gives a go-ahead, a
ship-to-ship transfer of crude oil will happen and the cargo will then head for Paradip for final discharge," he added
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