A New Shipping VLCC has suffered a major engine room fire off Sri Lanka.
Three Sri Lankan naval vessels were dispatched to assist the 300,000-dwt New Diamond (built 2000), which is disabled 38 nautical miles (70 km) off the coast, according to the navy.
The latest report from the navy indicates that the fire has been contained and has not spread to the fully laden vessel’s cargo tanks.
One Filipino out of the ship's 23 crew members is missing, TradeWinds has learned from sources informed by local rescuers. Another crew member has suffered injuries but it is not known yet how serious they are.
Two Greek seamen remain on board the vessel. The ship's Indian captain is not among them, TradeWinds is told.
The Sri Lanka Air Force has deployed an aircraft to assist in the rescue operation.
The Panama-flag New Diamond was heading to Paradip in eastern India from Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait. Reuters reported that it is on charter to the Indian Oil Corp.
New Shipping has not responded so far to a request for comment.
The Adam Polemis-controlled company has ten VLCCs in a mixed 37-vessel fleet of both tankers and bulkers.
The New Diamond is the third major casualty in the past seven days.
Last Thursday, an explosion and fire occurred on board a product tanker under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries. One fatality and one serious injury were reported.
On Wednesday, a livestock carrier capsized and sank off Amami Oshima island in south-western Japan. Strong winds and rains from Typhoon Maysak have hampered rescue efforts and so far only one of the 43 crew has been rescued.
The New Diamond is covered by the West of England protection and indemnity club. A representative of the firm in Piraeus said she was unable to comment. The ship is classed by Japan's ClassNK.
