Bulk Carrier distressed near Little Basses Reef - 33,000 MT of Clinker aboard

Colombo (News 1st); A bulk carrier named ‘MV Eurosun’ carrying clinker from the United Arab Emirates to Trincomalee ran aground on Little Basses Reef, said the Sri Lanka Navy on Saturday (23) afternoon.

The Sri Lanka Navy said the incident had taken place 5.5 Nautical Miles off Sri Lanka's South-Eastern Coast. Preliminary investigations revealed the MV Eurosun was transporting 33,000 MT of Clinker and 720 MT of diesel was stored aboard. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC Colombo) was immediately notified of the incident, and thereafter Sri Lanka Navy was informed, in-order for necessary action to be taken. Navy Spokesperson Captain Indika De Silva speaking to News 1st said the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched two crafts to the location in order to assess the situation and to investigate if any damage was caused to the marine environment at Little Basses (Kuda Ravana Kotuwa) Reef are a long line of coral and rock. Sri Lanka Navy divers were also dispatched to the site, while Sri Lanka Air Force deployed its aircraft to conduct aerial reconnaissance. Little Basses Reef is located not far from Kirinda beach or Roomassala in Galle and have become world famous for the light houses built on reefs during British rule. The vessel EUROSUN (IMO: 9546227, MMSI 636015312) is a Bulk Carrier built in 2012 (9 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Liberia. Robinson I Shipping Corp is listed as the registered owner of the ship and Eurotankers Inc is listed as the current operator. Navy Spokesperson Captain Indika De Silva said the vessel was manned by the 18 crew.