Oil spillover mopped up by Monday

A BUNKER barge chartered by Lanka IOC on Saturday made an oil spill at the Colombo port that authorities claimed was brought under control by Sunday afternoon.

However, by Monday afternoon they were reportedly still engaged in the clean up operation at the Colombo port.

By Sunimalee Dias

Lanka IOC MD Suresh Kumar said that the spill had taken place not due to a leak but a spill over when delivering the product. Noting that the incident took place on Saturday night, he said the crew of the vessel was unable to explain the reason for the spillover of approximately 100 litres.

The barge owners, Middle Eastern carrier Prime Tankers, had on Sunday evening engaged its people to clean up the area, which was going on even at 5 p.m.

Harbour Master Capt. Ravi Jayawickrama said only “a few litres” had been spilt by a bunker barge. However, approved chemicals and a manual mopping up were being carried out that was claimed to be nearing completion by Sunday evening.

He noted that this had no impact on sea life or on any vessels around the port.