Apr 6 UPDATE: It seems like vessel can’t be boarded because of toxic threat. Understood, all crew were evacuated, with fire being far off superstructure, at aft section. Visibly, it didn’t look like imminent threat to crew. MSC DANIELAfire resembles MSC FLAMINIA fire: follow updates at Maritime Bulletin http://www.odin.tc/en2016/read.asp?articleID=322
Apr 5 UPDATE 2: Vessel reported to be brought to anchor, some 20 or 25 crew evacuated, helicopter deployed to douse fire.
Apr 5 UPDATE: Indian Navy was asked to assist in fire fighting, Indian Navy is either steaming to assist, or is already on the site.
VLCS MSC DANIELA caught fire while en route from Singapore to Suez in Indian ocean west of Sri Lanka at night Apr 4 or early in the morning Apr 4, vessel changed course and headed for Colombo, apparently seeking assistance. In the afternoon Apr 4 vessel approached Colombo anchorage and started to drift. As of 0300 UTC Apr 5, vessel is drifting in vicinity of Colombo Anchorage, with at least four tugs and patrol ship at her side, engaged in firefighting. Understood containers are on fire, seems like a major fire. MSC DANIELA according to AIS, wasn’t brought to anchor, either because fire cut off forecastle access, or because she’s prohibited to anchor, out of safety considerations.
