Police to record statements from X-PRESS PEARL crew on Monday (31)

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police will record statements from the crew of the ill-fated X-PRESS PEARL container ship on Monday (31).

"They were undergoing quarantine as per the health guidelines and their quarantine period ends today (30)," said Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana adding the investigation is carried out by the Colombo Harbour Police.

On the 23rd of May 2021, the Marine Environment Protection Authority filed a complaint against the destruction caused to Sri Lanka's Marine Environment following the fire on board the X-PRESS PEARL.

Samples were sent to the government analyst for tests, said the Police Spokesperson.

On May 20, 2021, the Singapore-flagged Containership, ‘X-Press Pearl’ reported smoke from the cargo hold while at Colombo anchorage.

Hours later, the vessel reported fire on deck. Firefighting tugs were deployed by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and a Sri Lankan Air Force helicopter provided support to help fight the fire.

Subsequently, the ship’s crew members were safely evacuated and relocated by following the health guidelines promulgated by the health authorities in Sri Lanka to control the spread of Covid-19.

All efforts are being taken to save the vessel and cargo and protect the marine environment, and it appears that the onboard fire has diminished somewhat.