The tanks that had been cut for scrap metal is located within the Indian Oil Company complex and the China Bay Police had commenced investigations and arrested the eight suspects with a stock of the iron, based on a complaint made by the IOC security personnel.

These culprits had cut and removed the iron from the tanks that are covered in thick forest cover, initial investigations have revealed.

Thieves have been cutting out parts of these historic iron oil tanks over time and the recently arrested suspects had damaged and cut parts of two of these oil storage tanks.

The IOC had complained to the police that the damage caused to the oil tanks is estimated to be around Rs. 900,000.

These 101 oil storage tanks were built during the British occupation in 1924 to supply fuel to the Trincomalee Harbour and construction was completed in 1930.

These iron tanks are 2 ½ inches in thickness and is being held with iron rivets. These magnificent structures spans over 685 acres, while most of these oil storage tanks in this complex are covered by jungle.

Pics by Lakmal K. Baduge- Trincomalee Corr.

A section of the tank where the iron has been cut off

The bottom of a tank being cut

A tank covered in thick jungle cover

Aerial view of the oil tank farm