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

• No oil spill reported yet  
• Inform police or Ministry of Fisheries if people witness cargo containers

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) yesterday warned people, who are in the vicinity of the Colombo coastal areas not to come into contact with the debris coming from the distressed MV ‘X-PRESS PEARL’, which is currently in a critical situation following an explosion on board yesterday. 

MEPA Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura told the Daily Mirror that the fire had escalated owing to strong winds following the calamity that had occurred 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 to touch or open any debris washing ashore,” she said.  

She said there were 25 crew members in the vessel and all had been evacuated.  
When asked whether there  was any oil spill from the vessel, the MEPA Chairperson said they had not yet observed such an oil spill as of now.  

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

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

The State Minister said the containers were 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 witnessed the cargo containers.  

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

In addition, a Dornier aircraft carrying fire extinguishing substances and oil- dispersant  was also made ready to respond in the event of an emergency.   

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