MT New Diamond locates over 50 nautical away - SLN

The distressed vessel MT New Diamond is now located 50 nautical miles off from the Point Kalmunai, Navy Spokesman Capt. Indika De Silva said, today (10) according to the Defense Ministry website. He said Tug boat from Singapore would also be expected to join operations from today. Investigations are also underway into heavy fuel oil samples collected from the area by relevant authorities, he added. Air Force Spokesman Group Capt. Dushan Wijesinghe said a Beechcraft took off from China Bay Air Force Base on a reconnaissance mission by 10.00 am today (10), reported the Defense Ministry website. Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) Chairperson Darshani Lahandapura said all the external authorities including the ownership of the MT New Diamond were informed to take the ship out of the Sri Lankan waters. Staff of the SMIT Singapore Pvt Ltd, an international salvage operation company based in Singapore, appointed as its salvage expert, have boarded the vessel to investigate into its stability, she said.