Two more dolphins, leatherback sea turtle found dead today after MV X-Press Pearl tragedy

The carcases of two dolphins and a Leatherback sea turtle washed ashore today after the burnt down MV X-Press Pearl in Sri Lankan waters, wildlife sources said.

They said the dolphins were found in the Panadura and Induruwa coastal areas while the turtle was found washed ashore at Mirissa beach.

The dead dolphin discovered near the Thalapathitiya bridge in Panadura was taken to the Panadura Magistrate Court and handed over to the Wild life veterinary surgeon for postmortem today.

After being produced before the Balapitiya Magistrate today, the other dolphin was found on the Induruwa beach was handed over to the wildlife veterinary office for post mortem.

Following a court order today, the turtle discovered on Misissa beach was handed over to Udawalawa Wild Life office to conduct post mortem.

All sea turtles and dolphin species are fully protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

Therefore, their carcases were sent to the Government Analyst for further investigations following a court order.

Previously, more than ten turtles, a dolphin, seabirds and several species of fish were washed ashore dead following the MV X-Press Pearl disaster. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)