Oil tanker carrying crude from Kuwait to India catches fire off Sri Lanka

An oil tanker carrying crude from Kuwait to India caught fire off eastern coast of Sri Lanka, leaving one of its 23 crew members missing and anor injured, according to media reports on Thursday.

Indian Coast Guard pressed into action three of its ships and a Dornier aircraft after Sri Lankan Navy sought assistance to control fire onboard Panamanian-registered oil tanker New Diamond.

According to media reports, fire started in engine room of oil tanker, which was carrying crude oil from Kuwait to India, and n spre.

In a swift sea and air coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, Coast Guard said it immediately diverted ICG Ships Shaurya, Sarang, and Samudra Paheredar, besides a Dornier aircraft for firefight on oil tanker New Diamond.

Two Russian anti-submarine warfare ships anchored at Hambantota Port also joined operation by Sri Lanka Navy to douse fire, Daily Mirror reported.

tanker New Diamond was sailing from Kuwait to India. It is currently staying 180 miles off coast of Sri Lanka.

team, except for two crew members, has left tanker and is staying on rescue craft at sea, according to Russia's official Tass news agency.

At time fire broke out, Panamanian-registered ship was about 38 nautical miles (70 kilometres) east of Sri Lanka.

(image credit: IndiaCoastGuard Twitter)