The Singapore-flagged containership, X-Press Pearl which was travelling from India to Sri Lanka, was recently rocked by an explosion. To remind, several days ago, on 20th May, a fire took place onboard the ship off Colombo.
Followed by the fire incident, an explosion was reported from the burning vessel earlier this morning.
All 25 crew members were evacuated safely, with 2 of them suffered burns, while 8 containers fell overboard.
The distressed container ship was manned by a crew of 25, who are Philippine, Chinese, Indian, and Russian nationals, Sri Lanka Navy said.
Situation Update: Latest pictures of the "X-PRESS PEARL" vessel which is presently engulfed in flames. Pictures were captured by the SLAF Bell 212 this morning. pic.twitter.com/XRWO42Xi5Z
— Sri Lanka Air Force (@airforcelk) May 25, 2021
The vessel is, according to latest pictures above, engulfed in fire and thick black smoke.
For the record, X-Press Pearl which is registered under the flag of Singapore had carried 1486 containers with 25 tonnes of Nitric Acid, several other chemicals, and cosmetics; it had departed from the port of Hazira on India on 15th May 2021.
Concluding, the ship is currently surrounded by offshore tugs, tugs and Navy boats, firefighting continues, though probably, there’s little salvors can do now, fearing more explosions.
