The SLAF responded to a distress signal received from the MT New Diamond, an oil tanker sailing 38 nautical miles off Sangamankanda Point east of Sri Lanka yesterday (3rd September 2020). The No 3 Maritime Squadron located at the SLAF Academy in China Bay promptly dispatched a Beech King B200 Aircraft. The SLAF Beechcraft was the first to get to the location and provid live situational updates to the SL Navy and other stake holders of the situation.

The distressed oil tanker in eastern seas was manned by 23 crew members including 5 Greeks and 18 Philippine nationals. Further, the tanker was transporting 270,000 metric tons of crude oil from the port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip, when it faced this unfortunate event. It is also reported that 1700 metric tons of diesel required for the use of the tanker is also stored onboard.

In addition to the Beechcraft, an SLAF MI-17 helicopter was deployed yesterday to conduct “Bambi Bucket” operations. The “Bambi Bucket” operation was conducted continuously until last light yesterday evening. At present the SLAF Beechcraft is continuing is aerial surveillance of the situation while an MI-17 helicopter is conducting “Bambi Bucket” operations continuously to support efforts of dousing the fire.