A sinking fire-damaged container ship could take months to salvage because of rough monsoon seas, Sri Lanka said Tuesday, as authorities investigated whether the deaths of dozens of turtles and dolphins were caused by the disaster.&nbsp;

Part of the Singapore-registered MV X-Press Pearl submerged in early June after catching fire and burning for almost two weeks off the island nation's coast, releasing tonnes of plastic raw materials that swamped local beaches.

Coast Conservation Minister Nalaka Godahewa said he wanted the vessel removed so it would not pose a further pollution risk.

"We want the wreck removed yesterday, but salvors can't start their work in current conditions," Godahewa told reporters in the capital Colombo.

The monsoon season started this month and usually ends in September.

Salvors believe the ship's fuel oil burnt out during the blaze, but Godahewa said authorities remained on standby for potential leaks.

The island's wildlife authorities are also investigating the deaths of a number of turtles and dolphins after dozens of carcasses washed ashore over the past few weeks.

Godahewa said autopsies were being conducted to determine if they died due to pollution from the ship.

The probe came ahead of the arrival of three United Nations Environment Programme experts on Wednesday to help the South Asian nation estimate the damage caused by the incident.

The vessel was known to be carrying 81 containers of hazardous chemicals, including 25 tonnes of nitric acid, when it caught fire.

Sri Lanka is seeking $40 million in damages from the ship's operators, X-Press Feeders, over what officials have described as the "worst marine disaster" in the country's history.

Environmentalists are suing the government and X-Press Feeders for allegedly failing to prevent the disaster, while Sri Lankan police have also launched a criminal probe against the ship's captain, chief engineer and chief officer.

A sinking fire-damaged container ship could take months to salvage because of rough monsoon seas, Sri Lanka said Tuesday, as authorities investigated whether the deaths of dozens of turtles and dolphins were caused by the disaster.

A sinking fire-damaged container ship could take months to salvage because of rough monsoon seas, Sri Lanka said Tuesday, as authorities investigated whether the deaths of dozens of turtles and dolphins were caused by the disaster. Part of the Singapore-registered MV X-Press Pearl submerged in early June after catching fire and burning for almost two weeks off the island nation's coast, releasing tonnes of plastic raw materials that swamped local beaches. Coast Conservation Minister Nalaka Godahewa said he wanted the vessel removed so it would not pose a further pollution risk. "We want the wreck removed yesterday, but salvors can't start their work in current conditions," Godahewa told reporters in the capital Colombo. The monsoon season started this month and usually ends in September. Salvors believe the ship's fuel oil burnt out during the blaze, but Godahewa said authorities remained on standby for potential leaks. The island's wildlife authorities are also investigating the deaths of a number of turtles and dolphins after dozens of carcasses washed ashore over the past few weeks. Godahewa said autopsies were being conducted to determine if they died due to pollution from the ship. The probe came ahead of the arrival of three United Nations Environment Programme experts on Wednesday to help the South Asian nation estimate the damage caused by the incident. The vessel was known to be carrying 81 containers of hazardous chemicals, including 25 tonnes of nitric acid, when it caught fire. Sri Lanka is seeking $40 million in damages from the ship's operators, X-Press Feeders, over what officials have described as the "worst marine disaster" in the country's history. Environmentalists are suing the government and X-Press Feeders for allegedly failing to prevent the disaster, while Sri Lankan police have also launched a criminal probe against the ship's captain, chief engineer and chief officer.

Monsoon delays salvage of fire-ravaged ship off Sri Lanka

Despite the week-long, successful firefighting effort by the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan tugs, Container ship MV X-Press Pearl has sunk partially.

Salvors (technical persons engaged in retrieving a ship) had boarded the mangled and burnt vessel on Tuesday for inspection and assessment. However, from the early hours of Wednesday water started entering the vessel from its side, thus adversely affecting its draught/draft (when draught is normal the vessel floats at a normal level) and trim (when the trim is normal, the front at near float at equal levels).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-faces-marine-disaster-as-waves-of-plastic-from-burning-ship-wash-ashore-388259" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka faces marine disaster as waves of plastic from burning ship wash ashore</a>

Attempts to tow away the vessel were not successful as the damaged vessel sunk, with its rear portion touching the sea bed. It is understood that the sea floor at the location is at a depth of 22 meters. Only some of the taller portions of the ship such as its superstructure (upward extension that distinctly rises above the platform) are visible above the water. The damaged ship is also partially tilted to one side, owing to the ingress of water.&nbsp;

Diving operations are being undertaken by Sri Lankan Navy divers to carry out underwater hull inspection. Technical deliberations to salvage the vessel are also in progress by the salvors. &nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSagarAaraksha2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSagarAaraksha2</a> Underwater assessment of partially submerged <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MVXPressPearl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MVXPressPearl</a> carried out by SLN divers &amp; deliberations underway with salvors. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICG</a> Ship Vajra &amp; PCV Samudra Prahari standby in PR configuration for response. Additional PR gears being augmented by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICG</a>. <a href="https://t.co/WOSShdAGLx">pic.twitter.com/WOSShdAGLx</a>
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/1400471521231921166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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When it caught fire, the container ship was carrying 1,486 containers of chemical cargo classified under International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG). Among other chemicals, the IMDG cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads.&nbsp;

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/colombo-ship-fire-hull-intact-fire-considerably-reduced-and-no-oil-spill-says-icg-388102" hreflang="en">Colombo ship fire: Hull intact, Fire considerably reduced and no oil spill says ICG</a>

The initial fire which broke out on&nbsp;May 20, while at anchorage, was brought under control by the efforts of Sri Lankan authorities and the Salvage team within a day. However, in the early hours of May 25, flames re-erupted in the ship due to containers falling onboard in rough weather and their highly reactive chemical contents leaking.

All the 13 crew and the 12 salvors working onboard were safely evacuated by the Sri Lankan authorities, as the fire quickly spread, thereby engulfing the entire ship.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/firefighting-on-ship-off-sri-lankan-coast-can-take-days-says-navy-chief-387847" hreflang="en">Firefighting on ship off Sri Lankan coast can take 'days', says navy chief</a>

The partial sinking of this vessel with chemicals and a sizeable quantity of fuel has led to environmental concerns.

Indian Coast Guard Ships including the specialised Pollution Response vessel Samudra Prahari and Offshore patrol vessel Vajra are in the vicinity of the accident site. The Indian vessels are in Pollution Response configuration, which means that they are equipped to deal with any oil spill or related eventuality. Sri Lankan vessels and tugs too are in the region for the operations.&nbsp;

However, at present, no oil spill has been reported by the authorities and this has also been confirmed by Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft (from Madurai) that has been undertaking daily aerial reconnaissance of the area. Additional pollution response gears are being augmented by ICG.

The coordinated operation between India and Sri Lanka, undertaken to respond to potential environmental danger, has been christened Sagar Aaraksha-II.

Indian Coast Guard is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Sri Lankan Navy, Coast Guard, MEPA and other authorities to address any impending environmental damage due to the sinking of the vessel close to the coast. Additional ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin remain on standby for immediate assistance, if any, towards Pollution Response.

ICG being an active member of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) remains committed to its responsibilities of safeguarding the ocean environment in the region.

Despite the week-long, successful firefighting effort by the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan tugs, Container ship MV X-Press Pearl has sunk partially. Salvors (technical persons engaged in retrieving a ship) had boarded the mangled and burnt vessel on Tuesday for inspection and assessment.

Despite the week-long, successful firefighting effort by the Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lankan tugs, Container ship MV X-Press Pearl has sunk partially. Salvors (technical persons engaged in retrieving a ship) had boarded the mangled and burnt vessel on Tuesday for inspection and assessment. However, from the early hours of Wednesday water started entering the vessel from its side, thus adversely affecting its draught/draft (when draught is normal the vessel floats at a normal level) and trim (when the trim is normal, the front at near float at equal levels). Also read | Sri Lanka faces marine disaster as waves of plastic from burning ship wash ashore Attempts to tow away the vessel were not successful as the damaged vessel sunk, with its rear portion touching the sea bed. It is understood that the sea floor at the location is at a depth of 22 meters. Only some of the taller portions of the ship such as its superstructure (upward extension that distinctly rises above the platform) are visible above the water. The damaged ship is also partially tilted to one side, owing to the ingress of water. Diving operations are being undertaken by Sri Lankan Navy divers to carry out underwater hull inspection. Technical deliberations to salvage the vessel are also in progress by the salvors. #OperationSagarAaraksha2 Underwater assessment of partially submerged #MVXPressPearl carried out by SLN divers & deliberations underway with salvors. #ICG Ship Vajra & PCV Samudra Prahari standby in PR configuration for response. Additional PR gears being augmented by #ICG. pic.twitter.com/WOSShdAGLx — Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 3, 2021 × When it caught fire, the container ship was carrying 1,486 containers of chemical cargo classified under International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG). Among other chemicals, the IMDG cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads. ALso read | Colombo ship fire: Hull intact, Fire considerably reduced and no oil spill says ICG The initial fire which broke out on May 20, while at anchorage, was brought under control by the efforts of Sri Lankan authorities and the Salvage team within a day. However, in the early hours of May 25, flames re-erupted in the ship due to containers falling onboard in rough weather and their highly reactive chemical contents leaking. All the 13 crew and the 12 salvors working onboard were safely evacuated by the Sri Lankan authorities, as the fire quickly spread, thereby engulfing the entire ship. Also read | Firefighting on ship off Sri Lankan coast can take 'days', says navy chief The partial sinking of this vessel with chemicals and a sizeable quantity of fuel has led to environmental concerns. Indian Coast Guard Ships including the specialised Pollution Response vessel Samudra Prahari and Offshore patrol vessel Vajra are in the vicinity of the accident site. The Indian vessels are in Pollution Response configuration, which means that they are equipped to deal with any oil spill or related eventuality. Sri Lankan vessels and tugs too are in the region for the operations. However, at present, no oil spill has been reported by the authorities and this has also been confirmed by Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft (from Madurai) that has been undertaking daily aerial reconnaissance of the area. Additional pollution response gears are being augmented by ICG. The coordinated operation between India and Sri Lanka, undertaken to respond to potential environmental danger, has been christened Sagar Aaraksha-II. Indian Coast Guard is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Sri Lankan Navy, Coast Guard, MEPA and other authorities to address any impending environmental damage due to the sinking of the vessel close to the coast. Additional ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin remain on standby for immediate assistance, if any, towards Pollution Response. ICG being an active member of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) remains committed to its responsibilities of safeguarding the ocean environment in the region.

No oil spill, but Container Ship MV X-Press Pearl partially sunk, says ICG

Efforts of Indian Coast guard (ICG) vessels and Sri Lankan tugs over the last six days (since May 25th) have restricted the fire on container ship MV X-Press Pearl to a small portion in the ship’s rear.

In what is being regarded as a positive outcome, the smoke emanating from the vessel has turned from black to grey/white, with its intensity also getting reduced.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/colombo-ship-fire-appears-under-control-no-oil-spill-says-indian-coast-guard-387919" hreflang="en">Colombo ship fire appears under control, no oil spill, says Indian Coast Guard</a>

Currently, three Indian Coast Guard ships,&nbsp;Vaibhav, Vajra and Samudra Prahari (a pollution response vessel) are on the scene along with four tugs deployed by Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Daily aerial surveillance by ICG Dornier aircraft has indicated no oil spill in the area. The Coast Guard adds that owing to the careful and measured execution of the firefighting operation, there has been no change in the vessel’s trim (which means that the front and rear portions are floating at equal level).

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Likewise, there is no change in the draught/draft of the vessel (indicating that the overall vessel has not gone lower than usual). Hence, it can be said that the stability and watertight integrity of the vessel are intact.

ICG ships and Sri Lankan tugs are undertaking continuous boundary cooling (spraying water and foam to prevent the further spread of fire).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-faces-marine-disaster-as-waves-of-plastic-from-burning-ship-wash-ashore-388259" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka faces marine disaster as waves of plastic from burning ship wash ashore</a>

In addition to this, dry chemical powder bags are being dropped over the burning vessel by Sri Lankan helicopter to contain and extinguish the metallic fire.&nbsp;

Besides their fire fighting capabilities (spraying 660 liters of water/foam per minute), ICG vessels are also equipped with adequate pollution response capabilities in case of an oil spill, if any. The presence of a specialised pollution response vessel, ICGS Samudra Prahari, since Saturday has provided added strength to the overall operation.

This round-the-clock joint fire fighting operation into its sixth day has been named 'Operation Sagar Aaraksha 2', which symbolises growing maritime cooperation and collaboration between India and the Indian ocean Littoral state.

In September 2020, a similar joint operation between India and Sri Lanka was named 'Sagar Aaraksha'. Back then, ICG ships and Sri Lankan vessels were involved in a fire fighting operation onboard MT New Diamond. The joint efforts undertaken off the East Sri Lankan coast averted the risk of 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil spilling from the very large crude carrier.

Efforts of Indian Coast guard (ICG) vessels and Sri Lankan tugs over the last six days (since May 25th) have restricted the fire on container ship MV X-Press Pearl to a small portion in the ship’s rear.

Efforts of Indian Coast guard (ICG) vessels and Sri Lankan tugs over the last six days (since May 25th) have restricted the fire on container ship MV X-Press Pearl to a small portion in the ship’s rear. In what is being regarded as a positive outcome, the smoke emanating from the vessel has turned from black to grey/white, with its intensity also getting reduced. Also read | Colombo ship fire appears under control, no oil spill, says Indian Coast Guard Currently, three Indian Coast Guard ships, Vaibhav, Vajra and Samudra Prahari (a pollution response vessel) are on the scene along with four tugs deployed by Sri Lanka. Daily aerial surveillance by ICG Dornier aircraft has indicated no oil spill in the area. The Coast Guard adds that owing to the careful and measured execution of the firefighting operation, there has been no change in the vessel’s trim (which means that the front and rear portions are floating at equal level). Likewise, there is no change in the draught/draft of the vessel (indicating that the overall vessel has not gone lower than usual). Hence, it can be said that the stability and watertight integrity of the vessel are intact. ICG ships and Sri Lankan tugs are undertaking continuous boundary cooling (spraying water and foam to prevent the further spread of fire). Also read | Sri Lanka faces marine disaster as waves of plastic from burning ship wash ashore In addition to this, dry chemical powder bags are being dropped over the burning vessel by Sri Lankan helicopter to contain and extinguish the metallic fire. Besides their fire fighting capabilities (spraying 660 liters of water/foam per minute), ICG vessels are also equipped with adequate pollution response capabilities in case of an oil spill, if any. The presence of a specialised pollution response vessel, ICGS Samudra Prahari, since Saturday has provided added strength to the overall operation. This round-the-clock joint fire fighting operation into its sixth day has been named 'Operation Sagar Aaraksha 2', which symbolises growing maritime cooperation and collaboration between India and the Indian ocean Littoral state. In September 2020, a similar joint operation between India and Sri Lanka was named 'Sagar Aaraksha'. Back then, ICG ships and Sri Lankan vessels were involved in a fire fighting operation onboard MT New Diamond. The joint efforts undertaken off the East Sri Lankan coast averted the risk of 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil spilling from the very large crude carrier.

Colombo ship fire: Blaze restricted to small area, smoke density reduced; no oil spill

After almost four days and nights of continuous firefighting by two Indian Coast Guard ships and Sri Lankan tugs, the blaze on Container Ship&nbsp;&nbsp;MV X-Press Pearl has considerably reduced.

It has been observed that the vessel’s hull is intact (indicating structural stability) and that the draught/Draft remains uncharged (indicating that the vessel has not gone lower owing to increase in weight). Aerial surveillance done on Friday by ICG Dornier aircraft does not revel any oil spill.&nbsp;

Efforts of ICG vessels Vaibhav and Vajra, assisted by Sri Lankan tugs has restricted the flames to the rear portion of the ship, while white fumes are emanating from the mid portion. The emanation of white fumes from the mid-region possibly mean the lack of available combustible material. By preventing the fire from re-spreading to the forward portion of the ship, the anchor-chain link has been prevented from parting.&nbsp;

Amid the challenges posed by rough seas and strong winds, the ICG vessels are making multiple runs along the length of the affected ship for spraying water and foam at high speeds. It is crucial to also maintain adequate distance owing to the dangers posed by burning containers or mangled parts that my fall off the burning ship.&nbsp;

Besides, 1486 containers of chemicals and other hazardous International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code(IMDG), the vessel contains 322MT of fuel. To augment the firefighting and deal with a possible oil spill, ICG Pollution response vessel Samudra Prahari is expected to reach the location on Saturday.

It was on&nbsp;May 20, Thursday that a fire first broke out on the said ship, following which it was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day. However, on Tuesday morning(25th May),the fire and explosions started recurring and owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard.&nbsp;

After almost four days and nights of continuous firefighting by two Indian Coast Guard ships and Sri Lankan tugs, the blaze on Container Ship MV X-Press Pearl has considerably reduced.

After almost four days and nights of continuous firefighting by two Indian Coast Guard ships and Sri Lankan tugs, the blaze on Container Ship MV X-Press Pearl has considerably reduced. It has been observed that the vessel’s hull is intact (indicating structural stability) and that the draught/Draft remains uncharged (indicating that the vessel has not gone lower owing to increase in weight). Aerial surveillance done on Friday by ICG Dornier aircraft does not revel any oil spill. Efforts of ICG vessels Vaibhav and Vajra, assisted by Sri Lankan tugs has restricted the flames to the rear portion of the ship, while white fumes are emanating from the mid portion. The emanation of white fumes from the mid-region possibly mean the lack of available combustible material. By preventing the fire from re-spreading to the forward portion of the ship, the anchor-chain link has been prevented from parting. Amid the challenges posed by rough seas and strong winds, the ICG vessels are making multiple runs along the length of the affected ship for spraying water and foam at high speeds. It is crucial to also maintain adequate distance owing to the dangers posed by burning containers or mangled parts that my fall off the burning ship. Besides, 1486 containers of chemicals and other hazardous International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code(IMDG), the vessel contains 322MT of fuel. To augment the firefighting and deal with a possible oil spill, ICG Pollution response vessel Samudra Prahari is expected to reach the location on Saturday. It was on May 20, Thursday that a fire first broke out on the said ship, following which it was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day. However, on Tuesday morning(25th May),the fire and explosions started recurring and owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard.

Colombo ship fire: Hull intact, Fire considerably reduced and no oil spill says ICG

The Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday said that two of its offshore patrol vessels Vaibhav and Vajra are fighting the intense fire on-board the container ship MV X-Press Pearl which is currently ablaze off the coast of Colombo.

In addition, ICGS Samudra Prahari, a specialised Pollution Response (PR) vessel has also been despatched to augment the efforts and respond to a potential&nbsp;oil spill.&nbsp;Based on the aerial survey by Dornier aircraft on Wednesday, no oil spill has been spotted so far.

<img alt="fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2dd0b4e-fe82-4ae9-ad80-17827b760ad2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%282%29_3.jpg" />

The distressed vessel MV X-Press Pearl was carrying 1,486 containers with nitric acid and other hazardous chemicals that come within the purview of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. The extreme fire, along with the damage caused to containers and prevailing inclement weather has resulted in the vessel tilting to starboard (towards the right side of the vessel), which has led to containers falling overboard. Concerted joint efforts are in progress by two ICG Ships and four tugs of Sri Lankan authorities to douse the fire.&nbsp;

In addition, ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response. Continuous coordination is being maintained between ICG, Sri Lankan Coast Guard and other Sri Lankan authorities for augmenting the overall response operations towards containing the fire onboard MV X-Press Pearl.

The Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday said that two of its offshore patrol vessels Vaibhav and Vajra are fighting the intense fire on-board the container ship MV X-Press Pearl which is currently ablaze off the coast of Colombo.

The Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday said that two of its offshore patrol vessels Vaibhav and Vajra are fighting the intense fire on-board the container ship MV X-Press Pearl which is currently ablaze off the coast of Colombo. In addition, ICGS Samudra Prahari, a specialised Pollution Response (PR) vessel has also been despatched to augment the efforts and respond to a potential oil spill. Based on the aerial survey by Dornier aircraft on Wednesday, no oil spill has been spotted so far. The distressed vessel MV X-Press Pearl was carrying 1,486 containers with nitric acid and other hazardous chemicals that come within the purview of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. The extreme fire, along with the damage caused to containers and prevailing inclement weather has resulted in the vessel tilting to starboard (towards the right side of the vessel), which has led to containers falling overboard. Concerted joint efforts are in progress by two ICG Ships and four tugs of Sri Lankan authorities to douse the fire. In addition, ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response. Continuous coordination is being maintained between ICG, Sri Lankan Coast Guard and other Sri Lankan authorities for augmenting the overall response operations towards containing the fire onboard MV X-Press Pearl.

Colombo ship fire: No oil spill reported so far with intense firefighting underway, says ICG

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Monsoon delays salvage of fire-ravaged ship off Sri Lanka

No oil spill, but Container Ship MV X-Press Pearl partially sunk, says ICG

Colombo ship fire: Blaze restricted to small area, smoke density reduced; no oil spill

Colombo ship fire: Hull intact, Fire considerably reduced and no oil spill says ICG

Colombo ship fire: No oil spill reported so far with intense firefighting underway, says ICG