Fire fighting assistance has been sought by Sri Lanka after an oil tanker carrying at least 22 billion barrels of oil catches fire off the east coast late evening on September 3.

The fire killed one of the crew and injured another. The injured third engineer has been hospitalized in stable condition.

The New Diamond, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) chartered by Indian Oil Corp (IOC), was heading to the port of Paradip in India, where the state-run firm operates a 300,000 barrel-per-day refinery.

The distressed oil tanker in eastern seas was manned by 23 crew members including 5 Greeks and 18 Philippine nationals. Further, the tanker was transporting 270,000 metric tons of crude oil from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip, when it faced this unfortunate event. It is also reported that 1700 metric tons of diesel required for the use of the tanker are also stored onboard.

Sri Lanka Air force responded to a distress signal received from the MT New Diamond, an oil tanker sailing 38 nautical miles off Sangamankanda Point east of Sri Lanka. The No 3 Maritime Squadron located at the SLAF Academy in China Bay promptly dispatched a Beech King B200 Aircraft. The SLAF Beechcraft was the first to get to the location and provide live situational updates to the SL Navy and other stakeholders of the situation. In addition to the Beechcraft, a SLAF MI-17 helicopter was deployed to conduct “Bambi Bucket” operations. According to reports, the SLAF Beechcraft is continuing aerial surveillance of the situation while an MI-17 helicopter is conducting “Bambi Bucket” operations to support efforts of dousing the fire.

The video shows water cannon and helicopter drops being used as attempts to extinguish the fire. Efforts to tow it further out into the sea began after it started drifting closer to Sri Lanka's shoreline.

Sources suggest there is no damage to the cargo area, only the engine room and some areas around it. Navy spokesman Capt Indika de Silva stated that two Russian warships that were scheduled to arrive at the Port of Hambantota three days ago have left to assist in the relief operation with the approval of the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's Marine Protection Authority said it would take measures to prevent any possible oil leak from the tanker. There was no immediate comment from IOC, Reliance Industries and Kuwait Petroleum Corp.