Over 10 turtles, dolphin, seabirds, several fish found dead after MV X-Press Pearl disaster

After the burning of the MV X-Press Pearl in Sri Lankan waters, more than ten turtles a dolphin, seabirds, several fish have been washed ashore dead, so far, wildlife sources said.

They said the investigations to ascertain the cause of sudden death of these marine creatures are underway.

The marine creatures were found from the beach areas of Puttalam to Mirissa coastal areas. 

Under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, all sea turtles and their products like their shells and eggs are fully protected. Therefore, their carcases were sent to the Government Analyst to conduct further investigations after a court order.

Those turtles were found washed ashore in Uswetakeiyawa, Panadura, Unawatuna, Wellawatte, Moratuwa and Induruwa beaches. Two turtles found with injuries were found from Unawatuna beach, they said. 

Most of the turtles that were found dead on the beaches off Panadura and Wellawatte had their carapaces broken. One dead turtle at the Unawatuna beach was found with injures.

The turtles found with broken carapaces cannot be concluded that it was due to the fire of the ship.

Moreover, a dead dolphin was found washed ashore to the Kosgoda beach this morning along with another five dead turtles were found from the Payagala and Panadura coastal areas as well today.

Also said that several fish species and sea birds were found washed ashore after the MV X-Press Pearl disaster.

However, the relevant authorities such as the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA),  National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation are conducting investigations into this, the official added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)