An oil slick was reported near a burning tanker off Sri Lanka. Before this development, officials had warned that help was necessary, in case the vessel started spilling oil.
The burning oil tanker has started leaking diesel fuel near the Sri Lankan coast, according to naval officials, increasing fears for an environmental disaster.
The New Diamond was carrying about 2 million barrels of oil, and has been burning since last week.
In addition, the Sri Lankan navy stated that the vessel has tilted slightly towards where the fire broke out due to the large amount of water sprayed to douse the fire.
The fire erupted on the ship after an explosion in the boiler room killed a Filipino crew member. The fire had been tackled at first, but flames erupted again this week.
Sri Lanka and India have started anoperation to tackle the fire and prevent an environmental disaster.
