3rd June 2021 – Statement from operators of the container ship ‘X-Press Pearl’
X-Press Feeders, operators of the container ship ‘X-Press Pearl’ can confirm that the situation on scene remains the same as late yesterday with no signs of debris and no reports of oil pollution as of 0700 Sri Lanka local time.
The ships aft portion is sitting on the seabed at a depth of about 21 meters, and the forward section continues to settle down slowly. Salvors remain on scene to deal with any possible debris supported by the Sri Lankan Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, who have oil spill response capabilities on standby.
Salvors will remain with the vessel to monitor the ships condition and oil pollution, if any. The immediate focus is to minimise any further damage to the environment.
Oil Spill Response Limited has been appointed to respond to any possible spill and is liaising with ITOPF, who will provide technical expertise. Both OSRL and ITOPF have people on the ground in Colombo coordinating with the Sri Lankan Navy on an established plan to deal with any possible spill of oil and other pollutants.
Early estimates are that most of the cargo has been incinerated during the fire.
Ashore, contractors continue working with local authorities on shoreline clean up efforts to safely dispose of any debris that is washed up.
Most of the evacuated crew continue to serve out quarantine at dedicated local hotels, whilst select seafarers continue helping local police with their enquiries into the fire and are cooperating with investigators. We will respect this process and not publicly discuss operational details until the investigation has been completed.
The crew member who was transferred to a special facility in a military hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 remains asymptomatic and continues to recover from the leg injury.
A second injured crew member continues to recover from his leg injuries in a local hospital.
X-Press Feeders will continue cooperating with the relevant investigations into this incident.
Further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.