UPDATE (10 JUL): MOL Comfort Fore Section has Sunk
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) reported Saturday that a fire has broken out on the rear end of the fore part of the vessel at around 0030UTC (0930 JST) on July 6.
“We immediately requested the salvage company to start fire fighting. The tug boat and other two rescue boats are responding to the fire at the scene,” notes MOL in a statement on their website.
UPDATE: 8 July
Indian Coast Guard pollution response vessel, “ICGS Samudra Prahari” has arrived on scene to assist in the firefighting efforts on the fore section of the MOL Comfort. We spoke with the Indian Coast Guard and they note that contrary to some reports, the fire is not yet contained and firefighting efforts continue as of 1500 GMT. Here are some photos from the scene.
UPDATE: 7 July:
According to a statement on MOL’s website, the fire is not yet under control and efforts to contain the blaze have been hampered by adverse weather. Following a request by the salvage company, the Indian Coast Guard’s patrol boat “Samudra Prahari”, which is equipped with powerful external fire fighting system, has been dispatched and is now proceeding to the scene.
This is the second significant setback to befall the salvors after the stern of the vessel sank in heavy seas on June 27.
Updates to follow when available.
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