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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<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

With firefighting operations on container ship MV X-Press Pearl, off Colombo, running into the fourth day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that fire appears to have reduced in the front and mid-region of the ship, while the blaze continues in the rear.

Based on an aerial survey conducted by the ICG’s Dornier aircraft on Thursday, it is said that there is no oil spill.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ship-fire-off-colombo-indian-coast-guard-rushes-assets-more-on-standby-387365">Also read</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ship-fire-off-colombo-indian-coast-guard-rushes-assets-more-on-standby-387365">&nbsp;| Ship fire off Colombo: Indian Coast Guard rushes assets, more on standby</a> 
 
Amid adverse weather and rough seas, ICG vessels Vaibhav and Vajra have been fighting the blaze with Sri Lankan vessels by spraying seawater and Aqueous Film Forming foam (fire suppressant), in sustained day-night efforts. 
 
The blaze has led to the large container ship looking mangled on most sides, tilting towards its right and the burnt containers face the risk of falling overboard. Under these conditions, the ICG vessels have been manoeuvring as close as 40-50 metres of the stricken ship for effective firefighting.&nbsp;

To bolster the firefighting operations, ICG vessel Vajra handed over 4,500 litres of AFFF compound and 450 kg Dry Chemical Powder to Sri Lankan authorities on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The ship was carrying 1,486 containers and about 25 tonnes of hazardous nitric acid and other chemicals.

Earlier, the 25 crew onboard the ship, including five Indians, were evacuated. It was on 20th May that fire first broke out on the ship.

The blaze&nbsp;was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day.&nbsp;

However, on Tuesday morning, owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard after the explosion and resultant fire.

The 325 metric tonnes of fuels held in the large container vessel's tanks are feared to pose a threat of oil spill in the region.&nbsp;

Besides the two ICG vessels headed for the site of the fire, their formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response.

ICG is in continuous coordination and communication with Srilankan authorities for the operation.

ICG aircraft are also being brought to Tuticorin from Chennai and Koch for aerial surveillance and pollution response.

Over the last two weeks, the Indian Coast guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s West Coast, which was struck by a very severe cyclone Tauktae.

The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, south Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall.

This week, the ICG assets were also deployed for search and rescue, for the impact of cyclone Yaas on India’s East Coast between Odisha and West Bengal.

In Sep 2020, a major fire had broken onboard MT New Diamond, which was carrying about 270,000 metric tonne oil and positioned off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.

Mammoth efforts by the Indian Coast Guard in coordination with other agencies ensured that the blaze was brought under control, without any instances of the oil spill. &nbsp;

The ICG has said that, as an active member of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), it remains committed to its responsibilities of safeguarding the ocean environment in the region.

With firefighting operations on container ship MV X-Press Pearl, off Colombo, running into the fourth day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that fire appears to have reduced in the front and mid-region of the ship, while the blaze continues in the rear.

With firefighting operations on container ship MV X-Press Pearl, off Colombo, running into the fourth day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has said that fire appears to have reduced in the front and mid-region of the ship, while the blaze continues in the rear. Based on an aerial survey conducted by the ICG’s Dornier aircraft on Thursday, it is said that there is no oil spill. Also read | Ship fire off Colombo: Indian Coast Guard rushes assets, more on standby Amid adverse weather and rough seas, ICG vessels Vaibhav and Vajra have been fighting the blaze with Sri Lankan vessels by spraying seawater and Aqueous Film Forming foam (fire suppressant), in sustained day-night efforts. The blaze has led to the large container ship looking mangled on most sides, tilting towards its right and the burnt containers face the risk of falling overboard. Under these conditions, the ICG vessels have been manoeuvring as close as 40-50 metres of the stricken ship for effective firefighting. To bolster the firefighting operations, ICG vessel Vajra handed over 4,500 litres of AFFF compound and 450 kg Dry Chemical Powder to Sri Lankan authorities on Wednesday. The ship was carrying 1,486 containers and about 25 tonnes of hazardous nitric acid and other chemicals. Earlier, the 25 crew onboard the ship, including five Indians, were evacuated. It was on 20th May that fire first broke out on the ship. The blaze was brought under control by Sri Lankan Port authorities by the next day. However, on Tuesday morning, owing to rough weather nearly 10 containers are said to have fallen overboard after the explosion and resultant fire. The 325 metric tonnes of fuels held in the large container vessel's tanks are feared to pose a threat of oil spill in the region. Besides the two ICG vessels headed for the site of the fire, their formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin are on standby for immediate assistance towards pollution response. ICG is in continuous coordination and communication with Srilankan authorities for the operation. ICG aircraft are also being brought to Tuticorin from Chennai and Koch for aerial surveillance and pollution response. Over the last two weeks, the Indian Coast guard and Indian Navy have been engaged in monitoring, search and rescue operations across India’s West Coast, which was struck by a very severe cyclone Tauktae. The effects of this cyclone were felt in Lakshadweep islands, Kerala, south Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and in Gujarat where it made landfall. This week, the ICG assets were also deployed for search and rescue, for the impact of cyclone Yaas on India’s East Coast between Odisha and West Bengal. In Sep 2020, a major fire had broken onboard MT New Diamond, which was carrying about 270,000 metric tonne oil and positioned off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Mammoth efforts by the Indian Coast Guard in coordination with other agencies ensured that the blaze was brought under control, without any instances of the oil spill. The ICG has said that, as an active member of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), it remains committed to its responsibilities of safeguarding the ocean environment in the region.

Colombo ship fire appears under control, no oil spill, says Indian Coast Guard