Fire Aboard C/V MSC DANIELA [Off Sri Lankan Coast – 04 April 2017]

Posted by admin on Apr 6, 2017 in Bulletins

C/V MSC DANIELA, a very large container carrier capable of accommodating nearly 14,000 TEUs, experienced a raging deck fire on 04 April approximately 120 nautical miles off the Sri Lankan coast. Units of the both the Sri Lankan and Indian Navy responded, as did two fire fighting boats from the port of Colombo. The fire is now (06 April) said to be active but under control, as authorities decide what the next steps may be. It is presumed that the vessel will eventually be brought to Colombo port, where the requisite investigation will ensue. As of this time, however, MSC DANIELA is still adrift at the threshold of the Indian Ocean.

Mediterranean Shipping Corporation (MSC) has issued a press release. Here’s a link:

https://www.msc.com/jor/press/press-releases/2017-april/statement-concerning-msc-daniela?lang=en-gb

The MARITIME BULLETIN published an update a few hours ago, to wit:

“Apr 6 UPDATE: Indian Navy in latest statement, published on Apr 6, said MSC DANIELA can’t be boarded yet by firefighters and experts, “because minor fire eruptions within the ship”, wrote Hiru News. Fire spread to other containers with inflammables, added Hiru News, citing Navy. MSC DANIELA is anchored outside Colombo outer anchorage, as of 0300 UTC Apr 6 there are at least four tugs and Navy or CG ships nearby, including two offshore supply tugs CAPRICORN and POSH VIRTUE with, understood, powerful water cannons.

This fire is one of many that have occurred aboard container vessels over the last several years, almost all of which can be traced to either improper declaration, improper stowage, improper packaging, or improper blocking/bracing of HazMat cargo.

Link to Video Broadcast:     Ship On Fire Off Sri Lanka, Indian Coast Guard, Navy Rush To The Rescue_854x480_MOV

Updated Fire Fighting Video (08 April 2017):  MSC DANIELA Fire Fighting