The pearl on fire blamed for hiding acid leak

The MV X-PRESS PEARL has been found at fault for not informing  Sri Lankan authorities on the acid leak onboard prior to entering Sri Lankan waters.

 

According, State Minister Dr. Nalaka Godahewa MV X-PRESS PEARL reached Colombo at around midnight on the 19th of May and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority was informed of the need to offload a container only after 10 hours, Dr. Godahewa said.

 

“This was communicated via email to SLPA,” the State Minister said. Another two hours passed by before the fire on board was informed to the harbor control room Dr. Godahewa said.

 

The X-Press Pearl crew of 25 members has been disembarked and are safe but two have sustained leg injuries during the evacuation from the ship on Tuesday morning. They are in stable condition, the vessel owner told the local media. One crew member has tested positive for Covid-19.