Large Oil Tanker Fire off Sri Lanka... "No Oil Spill"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the morning of the 3rd (local time), firefighting efforts continued for the second day on a large oil tanker that caught fire while passing through the eastern sea of Sri Lanka.

According to foreign media on the 4th, a fire broke out in the engine boiler of the Panama-flagged New Diamond, located about 60 to 70 km east of Sri Lanka. The New Diamond is a very large crude carrier (VLCC) measuring 330 meters in length, reportedly carrying 270,000 tons of crude oil and 1,700 tons of diesel in its oil tanks.

Upon the outbreak of the fire, Sri Lankan naval vessels were dispatched urgently, rescuing 22 out of 23 crew members. One Filipino crew member reported missing was confirmed dead due to the boiler explosion. Sri Lankan rescue authorities stated, "Fortunately, the flames did not spread to the oil tanks, and no oil leakage has occurred yet."

Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships, as well as Sri Lankan Air Force helicopters, also joined the firefighting support in the accident area. As the fire continues, there is a possibility that unexpected damage to the hull could lead to an oil spill, which cannot be completely ruled out.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.