The naval operations seized about 815kg of dried turmeric, attempted to be smuggled by sea, at Ettalai in Kalpitiya today (06th September 2020). Meanwhile, the Navy also held 03 suspects in connection to this smuggling racket.

The Sri Lanka Navy and other stakeholders continue to use extinguishing agents and water to augment firefighting and inflict boundary cooling on the ill-fated oil tanker, in full swing. This operation is carried out in safe waters 40 nautical miles (about 74 km) away from land and it was joined by the tug 'Ocean Bliss' at midnight on 05th September 2020.

The distressed vessel is now about 40 nautical miles (about 74 km) away from the shore and Sri Lanka Navy and other stakeholders continue to engage in firefighting and inflict cooling effect on fire-stricken oil tanker using fire extinguishing chemicals and water, at peak of their efficiency. Meanwhile, two (02) more Indian Coast Guard Ships - Ameya and Abheek joined this consolidated operation this afternoon.

Separate search operations conducted by the Navy and Police in Saveewa Pura in Puttalam, Poduwakattu, Mannar and Pallemunei have led to apprehension of 05 suspects with Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE), heroin and Kerala cannabis during the past couple of days.

The Navy during a special search operation conducted in the beach area of Marawila today (05th September 2020) had apprehended 06 suspects with about 506 kilograms of kendu leaves attempted to be smuggled into the country by sea.

The distressed vessel had reached about 20 nautical miles shorewards yesterday (September 4, 2020) at 1800 hrs. However, with continuous efforts of the Sri Lanka Navy and other stakeholders, the fire was contained and the ALP Winger tug was able to take the distressed oil tanker 40 nautical miles (about 74 km) away from the shore.

The fire onboard MT New Diamond has been successfully contained into a greater extent and it lies about 35 nautical miles at 5.30 a.m. As a result of the combined operation the ill-fated oil tanker has been secured from all sides. Although the ship had reached a distance of about 20 nautical miles by 1800 hours yesterday (04^th September 2020), the ALP Winger, a tug, began taking the ship to the deep sea as fire was contained.

Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy, Sri Lanka Ports Authority are currently engaged in a joint effort to control the fire raging in the oil tanker, MT New Diamond caused by an explosion.

The Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy, Sri Lanka Ports Authority continues to work together to contain the spread of fire erupted on board the oil tanker, MT New Diamond on 03rd September 2020 at 8.00 a.m.

During special naval operations conducted in the past week, the Navy managed to apprehend twenty nine (29) individuals along with their fishing gear for engaging in illegal fishing.