The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has contained a major fire that broke out on an oil tanker that was anchored 14 nautical miles off Kandla Port.
It stated on Twitter yesterday (January 17, 2018) that it saved all the 26 crew onboard the MT Genessa, with two suffering major burns sent to a hospital in Mundra, India.
Footage from the ICG (below) shows tugs and coastguard vessels dousing the burnt tanker, which is still producing thick smoke.
The ICG said that it suspected that the fire started in the vessel’s accommodation area or engine room.
The MT Genessa was reportedly carrying at least 30,000 tonnes of diesel when the fire started.
An ICG hovercraft was deployed to check the shoreline for oil traces, however, the Ministry of Defence for Gujarat State has said that ocean water sampling shows no sign of an oil spill.
@IndiaCoastGuard coordinated the fire fighting efforts of all stake holders to contain the fire on board 'M T Genessa' off Kandla Port this morning. Coast Guard continue to monitor situation and shoreline assessment @DefenceMinIndia @PIB_India @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/5wUUq6JOvt
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) January 18, 2018
Twitter timeline of events:
#IndiaCoastGuard FIGHTING MAJOR FIRE ON BOARD OIL TANKER ANCHORED OFF KANDLA Fire gradually being brought under control. Resources pooled in from Reliance,Adani,Essar,Kandla & nearby agencies. Efforts to cordon the vessel to avoid spillage with the help of tugs. @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/5MIvdO2vWK
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@Def_update) January 17, 2018
#IndiaCoastGuard living upto their motto 'Vayam Rakshamah' worked tirelessly through the night, garnering & guiding resources frm Govt and pvt agencies in vicinity averted potential disaster at sea dousing fire that engulfed MT Genessa anchored off Kandla. (1/2) @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/mMx5bIFdjW
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@Def_update) January 18, 2018
A Major fire broke out on board Oil Tanker 'M T Genessa' anchored 14 Nautical Miles off Kandla Port #Gujarat. 26 crew rescued, 02 crew with major burns shifted to hospital at Mundra. Fire fighting continues with 11 tugs. 04 ships of @IndiaCoastGuard on scene @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/2cdq75LNRP
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) January 18, 2018
#IndiaCoastGuard fire fight still on. 03 ICGVessels, 09Tugs frm KPT,Reliance,Essar,Adani & ICG Dornier in action.Water sampling shows no Oil Spill.ICG Pollution Ctrl Vessel at site.Proactive response frm all agencies.ICGS SamudraPavak overseeing ops.(2/2) @InfoGujarat @CMOGuj pic.twitter.com/rzudvqBlR2
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@Def_update) January 18, 2018
Smoke observed from accommodation deck of 'MT Genessa'.Fire suspected to be in accommodation area/engine room. Hot spots temperature of 68 degree Celsius on port &25 degree Celsius on starboard side observed @IndiaCoastGuard coordinating fire fighting on board @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/rPfBsNNqUu
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) January 18, 2018
'M T Genessa' Fire off Kandla Port. Hot Spots temperature brought down to 40 & 25 degree Celsius on port/stbd side respectively. Boundary cooling in progress. @IndiaCoastGuard hovercraft deployed for shoreline assessment for oil traces
(if any) @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/lmsuI4Hg2M— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) January 18, 2018
Efforts on to cool down hot spots to obviate any mishap/further damage. A bird's eye view of the fire fighting effort underway at the scene of action. Pretty picture of jointness in combating crisis at sea with active participation from all stake holders.@DefenceMinIndia @CMOGuj pic.twitter.com/kwdZqbU3Cx
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@Def_update) January 18, 2018
