X-Press Pearl : Samples sent overseas for tests

COLOMBO (News 1st): Samples of marine life suspected to have died following the X-Press Pearl disaster off the western coast of Sri Lanka, have been sent to overseas laboratories for tests. Darshani Lahadupura, the Chairperson of the Marine Environment Protection Authority, said that samples of plastic nurdles from containers that washed up on Sri Lankan shores were also sent to these laboratories for tests. "We are in talks with the United States and France to send these samples for laboratory tests," she further stated. At the wreck site, caretaker salvors remain on a 24-hour watch to deal with any debris and report any form of a spill with drones deployed daily to help with the monitoring activities. Smit Salvage were appointed as Salvors, and they have commenced a study to determine how many containers are lying at the bottom of the ocean floor. The necessary future action will be taken based on the reports made available by the salvors. MEPA said tenders have been called for the wreck removal and the deadline for submitting tenders ends on Tuesday, 21st September.