MEPA probing deaths of marine mammals; suspects New Diamond oil leak

Colombo (News 1st);  The carcasses of 04 marine mammals have washed ashore in Arugambay, said Marine Environment Protection Authority General Manager Dr. P.B. Terney Pradeep Kumara adding, the carcasses were handed over to the Department of Wildlife for further examination. He said following the results of the examination if would be determined if the marine mammals died as a result of the oil leak from MT New Diamond, a crude oil tanker which was distressed in Sri Lankan waters. The Sri Lanka Navy said the MT New Diamond was towed-away from Sri Lankan waters. However, the distressed crude oil tanker was towed away disregarding the directives given by the Attorney General's Department and the Marine Environment Protection Authority.