Mangalore: Oil Vessel Catches Fire Mid-sea - Flames Under Control

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS)

Mangalore, May 8: M V Orchid, oil vessel caught fire 40 nautical miles mid Arabian sea off Kannur between Mangalore and Kasargod.

The vessel was engulfed in fire at around 11.00 pm on Saturday May 7. However, Coastal Security Police immediately rushed to the spot with their boats. Mukund Nayak, inspector, coastal security police said that the fire is under control.

As many as 20 crew members were in the vessel, who informed the fire brigade.

Fire brigade from Mangalore and Cochin too rushed to the spot with the help of another vessel.

An operation to douse the fire went about for an hour. Coast Guard vessel 'Varuna', which was already at sea, is among the vessels that have been sent to the spot, they said. Two fast patrol vessels from New Mangalore Port have also been dispatched to render assistance, the sources said.

The engine of the ship was hot and fire brigade kept pouring water till morning, sources added. The ship was heading towards Mumbai. The amount of loss incurred is yet to be ascertained.