SLN, ICG and Indian Navy combine to douse fire onboard MV Daniela
 

Upon receiving a fire distress call from a container vessel, MSC ‘Daniela’ yesterday (4) the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched two Fast Attack Craft (FACs) on scene to escort the vessel which was plying 120 Nm off Colombo.

The two SLN FACs managed to escort the vessel up to 33 Nm off the Colombo Lighthouse last evening and the distance was further cut short by escorting it to 10 Nm off Colombo by this morning. Two tugs of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Rawana and Maha Wewa also joined firefighting efforts but the initial efforts went in vein due to the intensity of flames.

In the eventuality of spread of fire, 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 the 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. In the similar vein, three more SLN FACs were dispatched on scene for the evacuation of 21 crew members in a situation of the fire spreading, endangering the safety and life of the crew.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Air Force also joined hands, providing a ‘Bell 212’ helicopter augmenting the combined firefighting efforts. The Indian Coast Guard further extended its assistance providing the ‘Chetak’ helicopter to the distress response efforts.

The dousing operations are still underway with the unprecedented assistance of the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Ports Authority personnel.

The endeavour also clearly demonstrates the maritime cooperation between Sri Lanka and India in dealing with rescue missions in the maritime domain.

The Sri Lanka Navy extends its gratitude for the Indian High Commission for their prompt response and especially the crew onboard ICGS ‘Shoor’ who are extremely diligent in this challenging situation.