Update: Fire on board MSC Daniela Extinguished, No Injuries Reported
Image Courtesy: Sri Lanka NavyThe fire which broke out onboard the 13,798 TEU containership MSC Daniela some 120 nautical miles off Colombo harbor, Sri Lanka, on April 4, has been extinguished, the ship’s owner, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said in a statement to World Maritime News.
The vessel was en route from Singapore to Port Said when the fire broke out toward the bow of the ship.
MSC confirmed that no injuries to the 22 crew members have been reported.
The fire was extinguished in the morning hours of April 5 and the vessel was towed to a distance of 10 nautical miles off Colombo.
The Sri Lanka Navy, the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority joined efforts to contain the fire by deploying fast attack craft (FAC), tugs and specialized fire-fighting vessels.
Additionally, Sri Lanka Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard provided helicopters to fight the fire.
“MSC is currently in discussion with the local authorities to berth the vessel at the appropriate time. Once the ship is considered safe, an investigation into the cause of the fire will be formally initiated,” the company noted.
“The extent of the damage and cargo losses will not be known until the vessel has safely berthed and has undergone a thorough inspection,” MSC added.
World Maritime News Staff
