Explosion on board - containers fall into the sea

An explosion was reported on board the burning Singapore flag ship ‘X-PRESS PEARL’ in the seas off Colombo Port. Sri Lanka Navy has rescued 25 crew members from the cargo ship. Two injured Indian nationals among the rescued have been hospitalized for treatment, according to the Navy.

 

Eight cargo containers have fallen into the sea and the vessel is reported to be unstable, the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) stated. Earlier, the Sri Lanka Navy said that it responded immediately to a distress call after the fire erupted onboard the container ship ‘X-Press Pearl’ last Thursday. Two offshore patrol vessels, Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Sagara, Sindurala and a fast attack craft were dispatched to the scene of the fire.

 

A tug from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was also dispatched to engage in firefighting efforts. Navy Spokesman, Captain Indika de Silva told Colombo Gazette that the fire had erupted on the MV X-Press Pearl due to a chemical reaction.