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Tanker fire: AG’s advice sought for arrest of captain and crew
The Merchant Shipping Secretariat and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) have sought the Attorney General’s advice on the arrest of the captain and crew members of the ill-fated oil tanker, drifting off the southeastern coast.
By last evening the ship, New Diamond, was 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast with the fire under control, but not completely extinguished. Reports last night said flames were billowing on and off. This was confirmed by footage released by the Air Force last night.
The Indian Coastguards backed by Sri Lanka’s Navy and Air Force last evening continued their operations.
The move comes after observations that the ship’s captain and crew members failed to follow regulations and their obligations.
Merchant Shipping Director General A.W. Seneviratne told the Sunday Times they had sought advice from the AG’s Department on claiming insurance for the expenses incurred by the Government to control the fire.
He said the ship captain and the crew needed to be taken into custody to take legal action against them.
The Sunday Times learns that among the regulations violated was the failure to carry out checks on the boiler of the ship and obtain a certification in time.
Navy spokesman Indika de Silva said the vessel which was drifting towards the coastline was towed away using tug boats to an area to ensure that there was no immediate damage to the coastal areas in the event of an oil leak. At one point, the vessel was 22 nautical miles close to the coastal line.
The move to tow the ship was also to clear the path of the shipping lane used by other vessels.
Mr Seneviratne explained that the West of England Insurance Company had sent four representatives to Colombo on Friday to discuss the insurance claims.
The team is due to inspect the ship in the next few days.
MEPA Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura told the Sunday Times they were awaiting a response from the AG’s Department on legal action to be instituted.
Twenty members of the crew are with the Sri Lankan Navy while the Captain was in an Indian coastguard ship assisting in the operations to control the fire.
The third officer, an engineer is being treated for injuries suffered during the explosion followed by fire. He underwent surgery at the Kalmunai base hospital.
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