AG advises to assess environment damage by oil-tanker

The Attorney General has advised the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to ascertain whether the ill-fated MT New Diamond has already caused any marine pollution.

The directions were given during consultations with the AG’s department on Sunday regarding future action to be taken regarding the ship which is currently off the south eastern coast.

The direction was given amidst reports that the fire had broken in the engine room of the oil tanker.

Earlier the Navy confirmed that the intensity of the fire was high and the fuel supply tank for the vessel was close to the fire.

Co-ordinator to the Attorney General, Sheara Jayaratne said that instructions have been given to the authorities to also make calculations of the estimated cost in trying to control the fire.

A 10-member team including experts on controlling the fire, insurance agents who were flown in on Sunday visited the scene of the ship where efforts are still under way to fully bring the situation under control.

On Sunday evening, Navy said that though the fire was almost completely controlled, there was the possibility of the fire erupting again due to the heavy winds experienced in the area.