Indian Coast Guard throws weight behind Navy to douse fire onboard “MSC Daniela”
 

The Indian Coast Guard threw its weight behind the Sri Lanka Navy to douse the fire onboard container carrier “MSC Daniela” off the Colombo port.

The Indian Coast Guard ship “Shoor”, continued its firefighting efforts, assisting the Sri Lanka Navy for the third successive day. In the eventuality of the fire spreading, Sri Lanka Navy requested assistance from the Indian High Commission, as there was a Coast Guard vessel (ICGS ‘Shoor’) that was on a goodwill visit berthed at the Colombo harbour. The Indian High Commission promptly replied to the request made by the Sri Lanka Navy, dispatching ICGS ‘Shoor’ to assist in extinguishing fire onboard the distressed vessel.

The firefighting mission was also joined by SLNS ‘Sagara’ patrolling in the Southern Seas. Both ‘Shoor’ and ‘Sagara’ are equipped with firefighting equipment and have specialized firefighting personnel onboard.

In addition, the Indian Navy had also directed two of their ships INS ‘Darshak’ and INS ‘Garriel’ to the location.

Meanwhile, thick white smoke could be seen rising through a few containers as the combined firefighting efforts continue during the time of reporting. Sri Lanka Air Force “Bell 212” helicopter was also engaged in the dousing operations since this morning (6).

On Tuesday (4), the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) Colombo, had received a fire distress call from the local agent of ‘MSC Daniela’ as the vessel was 120 Nm off Colombo.