Fire Erupts on board MSC Daniela off Colombo

Sri Lanka Navy A fire broke out on board a containership owned by Swiss Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) some 33 nautical miles off Colombo harbor, Sri Lanka, on April 4, Sri Lanka Navy said in a statement.  After it was alerted by the ships local agent, the navy deployed two fast attack craft (FAC) to fight the fire onboard the 13,798 TEU MSC Daniela, assisting Sri Lankan Port Authoritys tugs. The two tugs are expected to douse the flames while the two FAC directed for immediate evacuation of the ship’s crew in the eventuality of spread of fire, Sri Lanka Navy said. Having reached the vessel on fire , the two tugs carried out the dousing mission while the 2 FAC continued to remain adrift at the location until the flames are completely extinguished, the navy added. The cause of the fire has not been revealed. However, judging from the images provided by the navy, the fire seems to have started in the vessels deck cargo area, most likely in one of the containers. MSC Danielas AIS data shows the boxship is currently located near Colombo anchorage, operating with restricted maneuverability. World Maritime News contacted MSC for more details on the incident, however, the company is yet to reply. World Maritime News Staff