MV X-Press Pearl begins to sink

(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette)

By Vyshnavy Velrajh

The ship MV X-Press Pearl has begun to sink with water entering one part of the vessel.

Navy Spokesman Captain Indika de Silva told Colombo Gazette that the fire has been contained to a great extent, but certain parts at the back of the vessel have begun to submerge.

He said operations have been launched to tow the X-Press Pearl vessel into the deep seas towards the West.

Captain Indika de Silva said the operation was launched early this morning, with a team of salvors attempting to board the vessel.

However, as they were unable to board the ship, a team of Navy personnel had joined the operation and had successfully boarded the vessel after which they had helped the salvors to board the ship, he said.

The X-Press Pearl vessel which was carrying cargo with chemicals had caught fire due to an explosion off the coast of Colombo.

from the vessel, while 2 were hospitalised with serious injuries. 

after which several debris and packages had washed ashore along the .

The (CID) yesterday completed initial inquiries and the recording of statements from seven crew members, including the Captain of the vessel. 

Thereafter, the Colombo Magistrate's Court issued an order preventing the Captain, Chief Engineer, and the Deputy Chief Engineer of the X-Press Pearl vessel from leaving Sri Lanka. (Colombo Gazette)

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