While en route from Abu Dhabi Port, the UAE, to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, MV Eurosun grounded on Little Basses Reef, about 5.5 nautical miles off the island's southeast coast.

According to the navy, the bulk carrier has a shipment of over 33,000 MT of clinker and a capacity of about 720 MT of bunker fuel.

SLNS Rathnadeepa (P351), a navy-owned patrol vessel, a Sri Lankan Air Force aircraft, and divers were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard vessel Samaraksha also reached the scene with officials from the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), ready to tackle an oil spill if it happens.

Eurosun, which was founded in 2012, is operated by the Greek shipping group Eurotankers.

“According to the preliminary investigation, no damage to the bulk carrier’s hull was reported and there was no sign of water leaking into the ship or oil into the ocean. It was observed that 70m long part of the ship’s keel was resting on the rocky and sandy bottom,” the navy informed.

Maritime Business World