Debris from distressed vessel MV X-Press Pearl has begun to wash ashore in the coastal belt of Negombo.
State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said fishermen have found debris from the vessel in the Kapungoda, Seththapaduwa area in Negombo early this morning.
An oil spill has also been reported from the vessel in which a fire broke out on Friday (21) and reignited again on Monday (24).
“The Navy, CoastGuard, #MEPA, Dept Of #Fisheries, #NARA, #Indian Coast Guard and other authorities are working to contain the oil by deploying #oil containment booms around the vessel and around the Negombo lagoon,” he said.
State Minister Wijesekera added that the public and area residents have been urged not to visit the beaches from Colombo to Negombo.
Meanwhile, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has requested the public not to touch debris from the fire engulfed vessel that have washed ashore on the Negombo coast as it could contain harmful toxic material.
It has also been reported that one of the two injured crew members who were rescued from the container ship yesterday and admitted to the Colombo National Hospital has tested positive for Covid-19. (NewsWire)
