In Pictures: Fire on-board oil tanker spreading

The fire on board the oil tanker "MT New Diamond" appears to have spread, according to pictures obtained by a Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) surveillance aircraft. 

The fire had initially started in the tanker's engine room following an explosion. Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva stated in a media release that the vessel is currently located about 31 nautical miles off the island's coast. 

The Panama-flagged tanker is reported to be carrying a crew of 23. According to information received thus far, the Army Commander said that all but the captain and one officer onboard the vessel have so far been rescued. A Sri Lankan Navy vessel is currently transporting one injured sailor from the tanker to land for treatment. 

The vessel is reported to be carrying 270, 000 Metric Tonnes of oil and had been enroute from Kuwait to India when the incident occurred. 

Several local and foreign naval vessels are now at the scene and are working together to try and douse the fire. 

These pictures were taken from an SLAF Beech King 200 Air Craft. 

Pix courtesy SLAF