SLN, ICG and Indian Navy combine to douse MV Daniela fire

Upon receiving a fire distress call from a container vessel named MSC Daniela on Tuesday, the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched two Fast Attack Crafts (FACs) to the scene to escort the vessel, which was plying the seas 120 nautical miles off Colombo.

The two SLN FACs managed to escort the vessel up to 33 NM off the Colombo Lighthouse last evening and the distance was further cut short by it being escorted to a location 10 NM off Colombo by this morning. 

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority tug Rawana and Sri Lanka Shipping’s Maha Wewa also joined firefighting efforts. However, the initial efforts were in vain due to the intensity of the flames.

In the eventuality of the fire spreading, Sri Lanka Navy requested assistance from the Indian High Commission as there was a Coast Guard vessel, ICGS Shoor which was on a goodwill visit, berthed at the Colombo harbour. The Indian High Commission promptly replied to the request made by the Sri Lanka Navy, dispatching ICGS Shoor to assist in extinguishing the fire aboard the distressed vessel. 

The SLNS Sagara patrolling the southern seas also joined in the firefighting mission. Both Shoor and Sagara are equipped with firefighting equipment and have specialised firefighting personnel on board.

In addition, the Indian Navy had also directed two of its ships - INS Darshak and INS Garriel - to the location. Three more SLN FACs were also dispatched to the scene for the evacuation of 21 crew members in the situation of the fire spreading and endangering the safety and life of the crew.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Air Force also provided support, with a Bell 212 helicopter augmenting the combined firefighting efforts. The Indian Coast Guard further extended its assistance, providing the Chetak helicopter to the distress response efforts.

Dousing operations are still underway with the unprecedented assistance of the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Ports Authority personnel.

The endeavour also demonstrates the maritime cooperation between Sri Lanka and India in dealing with rescue missions in the maritime domain.

The Sri Lanka Navy extended its gratitude to the Indian High Commission for its prompt response and especially to the crew on board the ICGS Shoor, who it said were extremely diligent in the challenging situation.