With firefighting operations on Container ship MV X-Press Pearl, off Colombo, running into the fourth day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that fire appears to have reduced in the front and mid-region of the ship, while the blaze continues in the rear (Aft). Under these conditions, the ICG vessels have been maneuvering as close as 40-50 meters of the casualty ship for effective firefighting. Besides the two ICG vessels headed for the site of fire, their formations at Kochi, Chennai, and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards Pollution Response. Over the last two weeks, the Indian Coast guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s West Coast, which was struck by a very severe cyclone ‘Tauktae’. Mammoth efforts by the Indian Coast guard in coordination with other agencies ensured that the blaze was brought under control, without any instances of the oil spill.

Source: dna May 28, 2021 05:15 UTC