Fears of oil spill dissipates, fire in vessel off Sri Lankan coast almost put off

The fears of an oil spill due to a fire in a crude laden vessel off the Sri Lankan coast appears to have dissipated with the authorities on Sunday saying here that the blaze has almost been doused.

While intense fire-fighting efforts taken up by the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan Air Force and Navy since September 3 had led to localisation of the fire in the ship, a defence release said no oil spill has been reported.

“Fire appears to be doused and no flame and smoke are visible. The situation is being monitored for further action,” the release said, adding that the inertness of cargo was being maintained.