People in WP advised not to reach debris floating in sea - MEPA

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) today warned people, who are in close vicinity of the Colombo coastal areas not to reach debris coming from the distressed MV ‘X-PRESS PEARL’, which is currently in a critical situation following an explosion occurred today.

MEPA Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura told the Daily Mirror that the fire had escalated owing to strong winds and the calamity in the sea waters.

“According to the information we received around 6.30 am today, eight cargo containers have reportedly fallen into the sea. In fact, we actually do not know what really were in those containers. Therefore, we strongly advise people not touch or open any debris washing ashore,” she said.

She said there were 25 crew members in the vessel and all had evacuated.

When asked whether there is any oil spill from the vessel, the MEPA Chairperson said they had not spotted such an oil spill as yet.

However, State Minister of Fishery Harbour Development, Multi-day Fishing Activities and Fish Exports Kanchana Wijesekera tweeted saying that “There are signs of oil spill in to the ocean from the X-Press Pearl vessel. Department of Fisheries is working together with MEPA, Navy, CoastGuard and other authorities to contain and clean up the oil spill to minimize the damage to the marine environment,”

Meanwhile, Kanchana Wijesekera, publishing a post on Facebook requested fishermen in the Colombo, Kalutara, and Negombo areas to be vigilant of this hazard.

The State Minister said the containers are said to be carrying chemicals and added they could cause respiratory issues and burns, and therefore, asked people not to come into contact with them.

“Fishermen venturing into sea and people living in the coastal belt are also advised to immediately evacuate if they come into close proximity of the cargo containers,” he added.

He also told fisherman and residents of the respective coastal areas to immediately inform the Police or the Ministry of Fisheries if they witness the cargo containers.

Meanwhile, Navy said an Indian Coast Guard Maritime Pollution Preventive Ship with firefighting capabilities is scheduled to arrive to the scene of action by nightfall‍, at the request of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

In addition, a Dornier aircraft carrying fire extinguishing agents and oil- dispersants is also made ready to respond in the event of an emergency. (Sheain Fernandopulle)