Sri Lanka started an operation to retrieve debris and freight containers resting on the ocean bed after the disaster of X-Press Pearl in May 2021.
Namely, X-Press Feeders signed a contract with Shanghai Salvage Company (SCC)for the removal of the wreck, which is lying off the west coast of Sri Lanka.
In th meantime, Sri Lankan authorities have submitted their second compensation claim, which is being reviewed by the vessel owner’s P&I Club.
To remind, on 20 May, X-Press Pearl reported smoke coming out of the cargo when it was at Sri Lanka’s Colombo anchorage.
On 21 May, it was reported that the deck was on fire, and the port authority deployed firefighting tugs and helicopters to extend support and fight the raging fire.
A day later, another explosion took place in X-Press Pearl’s cargo hold #2, while tugs kept firefighting along with Megha, Hercules, Posh Teal, Mahawewa, and Posh Hardy that were deployed.
During the next two days, the fire intensified and it almost caught the vessel’s aft. A louder explosion was observed, and the 13 crew were evacuated.
The firefighting team and crew members were shifted to an ashore quarantine centre. Firefighting tugs kept operating throughout 26 May on-site with aid from two Indian Coastguard vessels and Sri Lankan Navy helicopters and vessels.
