Courtesy Hiru News

Sharing a message on Twitter, the High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka stated that the raging fire of the MV X-Press Pearl has largely been controlled.

“Result of the #India -#SriLanka joint operation is now more tangible. The raging fire has largely been controlled and parts of #MVXPressPearl are now clearly visible even as the fight continues. Hoping for more good news. Stay tuned!!”

India promptly responded to an emergency request by Sri Lanka Navy and deployed multiple assets to douse the fire on MV X Press Pearl off Colombo on 25 May 2021.

This includes Vessels Vaibhav, Vajra and Samudra Prehari by Indian Coast Guard and Tug Water Lilly by Director General, Shipping in addition to Dornier aircraft for aerial reconnaissance.

Debris from the burning container ship has washed ashore and the public has been warned not to touch any of it as it could be contaminated with harmful chemicals.

However, the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) stated that several cases of allegories have been reported from persons who had come in contact with the debris from the distressed vessel.

Debris from the X-Press Pearl vessel that is burning in the sea area off the Colombo Port has been washed ashore in Ja-Ela, Kapugoda, and Sethupaduwa along the Negombo Coastal line