Chemical powder air dropped to dissolve oil patches : Navy

(UPDATE) - Packs of dry chemical powder were airdropped by the Sri Lanka Airforce on the fuel patches that were spotted in close proximity to the MT New  Diamond to minimize damages caused by the oil.

Sri Lanka Navy spokesperson Captain Indika de Silva said that the fuel patch that was spotted on Tuesday night had broken apart under the chemical while the second patch that was spotted on Wednesday morning is also expected to dissolve soon.

He said the fuel patches were the result of a leak in the fuel engines and were not leaks of the ship’s cargo-crude oil.

Samples of the fuel patches had been brought to shore by the SL Navy for further testing.

The possibility of a crude oil leak had been completely eliminated now,  the Navy spokesperson said.

 Divers of the Indian Coast Guard and the Sri Lankan Navy would nevertheless make expeditions into the water surrounding the ship for further checking, he added.

They had been deterred thus far due to rough seas and the volatile weather condition, he added.

Eighty percent of the ship’s engine room and pump room were underwater as a result of the continuous dousing. However, stability analysis reports have depicted that the ship is in no risk of drowning.

Sri Lankan authorities had run out of dry chemical powder and Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), chemical agents used to clear up oil spills, during the battle to put out the three smaller fires that started up earlier this week.

The Indian Coastguard had responded swiftly and provided the deficit. Procedures to replenish stocks have already begun.