• Last Update 2024-03-29 09:48:00

X-Press Pearl fire: Agencies ordered to ensure damage to marine ecosystem is minimized

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Following instructions from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), security forces and other Government entities have launched a comprehensive operation to mitigate the damage to the marine environment and coastline by the MV X-Press Pearl vessel that has caught fire and in distress off the coast of Colombo, the President's Media Division (PMD) said. 

The President has instructed officials to pay special attention to minimizing the spread of oil around the vessel in the event of an oil spill while remaining vigilent about the prevailing adverse weather conditions. President Rajapaksa has also advised officials to take into consideration the steps taken by other countries when managing similar disasters. 

The Navy and other state institutions have already begun clearing debris off the coast, the PMD stated. 

The vessel, registered in Singapore, had caught fire on May 20 in close proximity to the Colombo Port. The ship, carrying nitric acid, chemicals and cosmetics was enroute to the Colombo Port from the Indian Port of Hazira. 

Under instructions from the President, MEPA has already tested the water samples around the coastline. The PMD stated that discussions have also taken place with the shipping company, insurance company and other respective parties over the future measures that need to be taken in this regard. 

The President has also commended the Navy, Air Force, and other parties for their efforts to contain the fire and stressed the need to pay special attention to the preservation of the coastline. 

Meanwhile, President Rajapaksa took to Twitter to commend all agencies and others who are lending assistance to overcome the crisis. He also thanked the Indian Government, which has dispatched several coastguard vessels and a surveillance aircraft to assist in the firefighting efforts. 

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