View source for X-Press Pearl

{{Short description|Container ship which sank in 2021 near Sri Lanka}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin <!-- commercial vessels -->
| display title = ital
| infobox caption = <!-- keywords: yes, nodab; or caption text -->
}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = File:Xpress pearl .jpg
| image alt = Cargo ship at sea with yellowish fumes coming from a container
| Ship image size = 
| Ship caption = ''X-Press Pearl'' on 20 May 2021, showing fumes from leaking nitric acid
}}
{{Infobox ship career
| Hide header = 
| Ship launched =28 September 2020 
| Ship fate = Sank off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka after a fire erupted 12 days earlier
| Ship identification = *{{IMO Number|9875343}}
*{{MMSI|563118200}}
| Ship out of service = 27 May 2021
| Ship in service = 
| Ship maiden voyage = 
| Ship acquired = 
| Ship christened = 
| Ship completed = 10 February 2021
| Ship laid down = 
| Ship country = [[Singapore]]
| Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|Singapore|civil}}
| Ship name = ''X-Press Pearl''
| Ship way number = 
| Ship yard number = CHB084
| Ship original cost = 
| Ship builder = Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard
| Ship ordered = 
| Ship route = 
| Ship registry = Singapore
| Ship operator = [[X-Press Feeders]]
| Ship owner = EOS RO Pte Ltd<ref name=ABSRecord/>
| Ship notes = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Ship decks = 
| Ship crew = 26
| Ship capacity = 2,756 [[Twenty-foot equivalent unit|TEUs]]
| Ship speed = 
| Ship propulsion = 
| Ship power = 
| Ship sail plan = 
| Ship ice class = 
| Ship ramps = 
| Ship deck clearance = 
| Ship depth = {{convert|17.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=ABSRecord>{{csr|register=ABS|id=21284154|shipname=X-Press Pearl|access-date=2021-06-06}}</ref>
| Header caption = 
| Ship draft = 
| Ship draught = 
| Ship height = 
| Ship beam = {{convert|34.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=ABSRecord/>
| Ship length = {{convert|186.0|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=ABSRecord/>
| Ship displacement = 48,848 Tonnes<ref name=ABSRecord/>
| Ship tonnage = *{{DWT|36,149}}<ref name=ABSRecord/>
*{{GT|31,629}}<ref name=ABSRecord/>
| Ship type = [[Container ship]]
| Ship class = [[Super Eco 2700]]
}}
|}

'''''X-Press Pearl''''' was a [[Singapore]]-registered [[Super Eco 2700]]–class [[container ship]]. The vessel entered service in February 2021 and was around {{convert|186|m|ft|0}} long.<ref name=MarineTraffic>{{Cite web|title=X Press Pearl|url=https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:6450863/mmsi:563118200/imo:9875343/vessel:X_PRESS_PEARL|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603233000/https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:6450863/mmsi:563118200/imo:9875343/vessel:X_PRESS_PEARL |archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.marinetraffic.com|language=en}}</ref> It was operated by [[X-Press Feeders]].

On 20 May 2021, ''X-Press Pearl'' caught fire off the coast of [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite news|author=<!--none-->|date=31 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka faces environmental disaster as cargo ship burns for days – video|language=en-GB|work=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2021/may/31/sri-lanka-environmental-disaster-cargo-ship-burns-for-days-video|access-date=3 June 2021|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215456/https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2021/may/31/sri-lanka-environmental-disaster-cargo-ship-burns-for-days-video|url-status=live}}</ref> The vessel was engulfed in flames by 27 May and declared a [[total loss]]. It was still afloat, and the fire was thought to be under control by Sri Lankan firefighters by the late hours of 27 May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 May 2021|title=Singapore flagged X-Press Pearl under watch off Sri Lanka after fire|url=https://economynext.com/singapore-flagged-x-press-pearl-under-watch-off-sri-lanka-after-fire-82240|access-date=22 May 2021|website=EconomyNext|language=en|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521232708/https://economynext.com/singapore-flagged-x-press-pearl-under-watch-off-sri-lanka-after-fire-82240/|url-status=live}}</ref> After burning for 12 days, the vessel sank on 2 June as it was being towed to deeper waters.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Disaster feared as fire-hit cargo ship sinks off Sri Lanka coast|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/2/sri-lanka-disaster-feared-as-fire-hit-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks|access-date=2 June 2021|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602093423/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/2/sri-lanka-disaster-feared-as-fire-hit-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2 June 2021|title=Chemical cargo ship sinks in one of Sri Lanka's worst-ever marine disasters|url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210602-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks-in-one-of-sri-lanka-s-worst-ever-marine-disasters|access-date=2 June 2021|website=France 24|language=en|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602075747/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210602-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks-in-one-of-sri-lanka-s-worst-ever-marine-disasters|url-status=live}}</ref> The incident was deemed the worst marine ecological disaster in Sri Lankan history<ref>{{Cite web|title="Worst Marine Ecological Disaster": Sri Lanka On Cargo Ship Fire|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mv-x-press-pearl-fire-worst-marine-ecological-disaster-sri-lanka-on-fire-in-singapore-vessel-fire-2452140|access-date=31 May 2021|website=NDTV.com|archive-date=30 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530185123/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mv-x-press-pearl-fire-worst-marine-ecological-disaster-sri-lanka-on-fire-in-singapore-vessel-fire-2452140|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=31 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka faces disaster as burning ship spills chemicals on beaches|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/31/sri-lanka-faces-disaster-burning-ship-spills-chemicals-beaches|access-date=31 May 2021|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531125919/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/31/sri-lanka-faces-disaster-burning-ship-spills-chemicals-beaches|url-status=live}}</ref> for the chemical products that spilled.<ref name=BBC03-06-2021/>

According to X-Press Feeders,<ref>[https://www.x-presspearl-informationcentre.com ''X-Press Pearl Incident Information Centre,''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219093745/https://www.x-presspearl-informationcentre.com/ |date=19 February 2022 }} X-Press Feeders. Update, 4th February 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2022.</ref> salvage operations to remove the wreck began in November 2021. All work on site is expected to be completed by April 2023. Salvage work was interrupted during the southwest monsoon from late April to November 2022.

== Construction and operational history ==
''X-Press Pearl'' was built by Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard Co. Ltd at [[Zhoushan]], China for [[Singapore]]-based [[X-Press Feeders]], along with its [[sister ship]] ''X-Press Mekong''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ship Details – IMO No.: 9875355 |url=https://www.new-ships.com/Ship-5821796-XPressMekong.html |website=new-ships.com |publisher=New Ships Orderbook |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212845/https://www.new-ships.com/Ship-5821796-XPressMekong.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ship Details – IMO No.: 9875343 |url=https://www.new-ships.com/Ship-5821808-XPressPearl.html |website=new-ships.com |publisher=New Ships Orderbook |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602054344/https://www.new-ships.com/Ship-5821808-XPressPearl.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The 37,000-[[deadweight tonnage|deadweight tonne]] (DWT) [[container vessel]] could carry 2,743 [[twenty-foot equivalent units]]. The ship was launched on 28 September 2020 and delivered on 10 February 2021.<ref name=Miramar>{{csr|register=MSI|id=9875343|shipname=X-Press Pearl |access-date=11 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The X-PRESS PEARL (2,743 TEU) is delivered |url=https://www.germanlashing.de/news/the--x-press-pearl-2743-teu-is-delivered |website=germanlashing.de |publisher=German Lashing Robert Böck GmbH |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212849/https://www.germanlashing.de/news/the--x-press-pearl-2743-teu-is-delivered |url-status=live }}</ref>

The vessel was deployed on the Straits to Middle East (SMX) service of X-Press Feeders, from [[Port Klang]] (Malaysia) via Singapore and [[Jebel Ali]] (Dubai, UAE) to [[Hamad Port]] (Qatar). The return voyage to Malaysia was via [[Hazira]] (India) and [[Colombo]] (Sri Lanka). The vessel had made three voyages, calling at Colombo on 17 March and 18 April, and caught fire shortly after arriving for its third call at the port on 19 May.<ref name="XpressMepa">{{cite news |title=X-Press Pearl salvors mull boarding as Sri Lanka eyes pollution claim |url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/ |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=EconomyNext |date=31 May 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603020131/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Fire==
''X-Press Pearl'' carried 1,486 containers, with contents including 25 tons of [[nitric acid]] (which can be used in the manufacture of fertilisers and explosives), other chemicals, [[cosmetics]] and [[low-density polyethylene]] (LDPE) pellets, when it departed the port of Hazira on 15 May 2021, arriving off Colombo on 19 May.<ref name="Reuters02-06-2021">{{cite news |last1=Pal |first1=Alasdair |title=Chemical cargo ship sinks off Sri Lanka, fouling rich fishing waters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/disaster-feared-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks-off-sri-lanka-2021-06-02/ |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=Reuters |date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603005036/https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/disaster-feared-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks-off-sri-lanka-2021-06-02/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 }}</ref><ref name="CeylonToday29-05-2021">{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Sulochana Ramiah |title=X-Press Pearl operators, Captain, local agent under probe |url=https://ceylontoday.lk/news/x-press-pearl-operators-captain-local-agent-under-probe |access-date=4 June 2021 |work=Ceylon Today |date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529040028/https://ceylontoday.lk/news/x-press-pearl-operators-captain-local-agent-under-probe |archive-date=29 May 2021}}</ref> By 11 May the crew had discovered that a container loaded at Jebel Ali was leaking nitric acid, and had requested both Hamad and Hazira ports to allow it to be offloaded, but permission was not granted.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka: Chemical-filled X-Press Pearl ship threatens marine life and beaches|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57327300|work=BBC|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603051718/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57327300|url-status=live}}</ref> According to X-Press Feeders, the requests were denied as "there were no specialist facilities or expertise immediately available to deal with the leaking acid", and the vessel proceeded on its planned journey to Colombo.<ref>{{cite news |title=X-Press Pearl entered Hazira and Hamad ports before reaching Sri Lanka: owners |url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-entered-hazira-and-hamad-ports-before-reaching-sri-lanka-owners-82487/ |access-date=27 May 2021 |work=EconomyNext |date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527123458/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-entered-hazira-and-hamad-ports-before-reaching-sri-lanka-owners-82487/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ship reached Colombo on the night of 19 May and was anchored in the outer harbor awaiting a berth. The ship did not declare an emergency for the cargo acid leak. On 20 May the ship's agents requested a re-working of the container. Harbour Master Nirmal de Silva said as a maritime hub, Colombo had the expertise to help. The vessel then issued its first report of a fire, which the crew had put out using its on-board system.<ref name=EconomyNext28-05-2021>{{cite news |title=X-Press Pearl fire origin is still a mystery, Sri Lanka official says |url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-fire-orgin-is-still-a-mystery-sri-lanka-official-says-82527/ |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=EconomyNext |date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214752/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-fire-orgin-is-still-a-mystery-sri-lanka-official-says-82527/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

It was reported that the ship caught fire on 20 May, {{convert|9.5|nmi|lk=in}} northwest of the Colombo Port.<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 May 2021|title=Container fire erupts onboard X-Press Feeders vessel in Colombo|url=https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/casualty/container-fire-erupts-onboard-x-press-feeders-vessel-colombo|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Seatrade Maritime|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521231952/https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/casualty/container-fire-erupts-onboard-x-press-feeders-vessel-colombo|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Sri Lanka Navy]], along with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, which boarded the ship in order to find out the cause of the fire, suspected that the fire might have started as a result of the reaction of chemicals being transported on the ship.<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 May 2021|title=Firefighters in Sri Lanka battle container blaze on X-Press Pearl|url=https://theloadstar.com/firefighters-in-sri-lanka-battle-container-blaze-on-x-press-pearl/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=The Loadstar|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521180755/https://theloadstar.com/firefighters-in-sri-lanka-battle-container-blaze-on-x-press-pearl/|url-status=live}}</ref> During the fire incident, the vessel had a crew of 25 members on board.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Navy assists dousing of fire in vessel carrying chemicals anchored off Colombo|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/05/21/local/249867/navy-assists-dousing-fire-vessel-carrying-chemicals-anchored-colombo|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Daily News|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521134955/http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/05/21/local/249867/navy-assists-dousing-fire-vessel-carrying-chemicals-anchored-colombo|url-status=live}}</ref>

Though initial reports linked the incident to leaking acid, Harbor Master De Silva said the fire had broken out in the number 2 hold of ''X-Press Pearl'' while the container was stacked on deck. A fuller investigation was needed to determine the cause, he said.<ref name=EconomyNext28-05-2021/>

On 25 May, a large explosion took place inside the vessel and all 25 crew members were evacuated.<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 May 2021|title=Explosion aboard MV X-PRESS PEARL; crew evacuated|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/25/explosion-aboard-mv-x-press-pearl-crew-evacuated/|access-date=25 May 2021|website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525040753/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/25/explosion-aboard-mv-x-press-pearl-crew-evacuated/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Explosion reported in 'X-Press Pearl' ship, crew members rescued|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/05/25/local/250116/explosion-reported-%E2%80%98x-press-pearl%E2%80%99-ship-crew-members-rescued|access-date=25 May 2021|website=Daily News|language=en|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525054202/http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/05/25/local/250116/explosion-reported-%E2%80%98x-press-pearl%E2%80%99-ship-crew-members-rescued|url-status=live}}</ref> Two Indian crew members who sustained injuries during the explosion were admitted to the Colombo's [[National Hospital of Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 May 2021|title=X-PRESS PEARL: 02 Indian crew members admitted to Hospital|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/25/x-press-pearl-02-indian-crew-members-admitted-to-hospital/|access-date=25 May 2021|website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst|language=en|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525060325/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/25/x-press-pearl-02-indian-crew-members-admitted-to-hospital/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2021/5/25/crew-evacuated-after-explosion-on-container-ship-off-colombo|title=Crew evacuated after explosion on container ship off Colombo|publisher=Al Jazeera Media Network|access-date=26 May 2021|date=25 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526054703/https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2021/5/25/crew-evacuated-after-explosion-on-container-ship-off-colombo|url-status=live}}</ref>

The fire continued to blaze during 25 May, and by late afternoon containers were dropping off the vessel into the sea. The Sri Lanka Maritime Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) declared a Tier II oil spill event from on-board bunkers as the blaze got worse.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hamza |first1=Mahadiya |title=Blazing X-press Pearl off Sri Lanka triggers Tier II oil spill warning |url=https://economynext.com/blazing-x-press-pearl-off-sri-lanka-triggers-tier-ii-oil-spill-warning-82380/ |access-date=25 May 2021 |publisher=EconomNext.com |date=25 March 2021 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525185013/https://economynext.com/blazing-x-press-pearl-off-sri-lanka-triggers-tier-ii-oil-spill-warning-82380/ |url-status=live }}</ref> India dispatched firefighting and pollution control [[Indian Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] vessels, a [[tug]] and a Dornier maritime reconnaissance aircraft to help containment measures, and fishermen were asked to stay clear of the ship.<ref>{{cite news |title=India sends ships, aircraft to help Sri Lanka control oil spill, X-press Pearl blaze |url=https://economynext.com/india-sends-ships-aircraft-to-help-sri-lanka-control-oil-spill-x-press-pearl-blaze-82409/ |access-date=25 May 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=25 May 2021 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525185016/https://economynext.com/india-sends-ships-aircraft-to-help-sri-lanka-control-oil-spill-x-press-pearl-blaze-82409/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka fishermen warned off X-Pres Pearl fire zone amid oil spill fears: Minister |url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-fishermen-warned-off-x-pres-pearl-fire-zone-amid-oil-spill-fears-minister-82390/ |access-date=25 May 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=25 May 2021 |archive-date=25 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525113006/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-fishermen-warned-off-x-pres-pearl-fire-zone-amid-oil-spill-fears-minister-82390/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Chairperson of MEPA Dharshani Lahandapura said on 26 May that 378 tonnes of oil were on board the vessel and about half could leak into the sea after the fire ended. Bad weather prevented the deployment of oil-containment [[Boom (containment)|booms]] around the ship, but authorities were ready to clean up any oil that reached the shore.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka prepares for oil spill as burning X-Press Pearl spews cargo and charred debris |url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-prepares-for-oil-spill-as-burning-x-press-pearl-spews-cargo-and-charred-debris-82444/ |access-date=26 May 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526125459/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-prepares-for-oil-spill-as-burning-x-press-pearl-spews-cargo-and-charred-debris-82444/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By morning, burnt debris and some fallen cargo were washing up on Sri Lanka's Negombo coast.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka's Western coast contaminated with debris from burning ship |url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/26/sri-lankas-western-coast-contaminated-with-debris-from-burning-ship/ |access-date=26 May 2021 |publisher=Newsfirst.com |date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526094334/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/26/sri-lankas-western-coast-contaminated-with-debris-from-burning-ship/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 May, ''X-Press Pearl'' was still smouldering and belching smoke, though flames were down. Hull integrity was still intact. Firefighting tugs continued to pour water on the ship. The Sri Lanka Air Force dropped dry chemical powder. The [[Indian Coast Guard]] vessel ICG ''[[Samudra-class Pollution Control Vessel|Samudra Prahari]]'', a pollution control ship, joined the task force.<ref>{{cite news |title=X-Press Pearl still smouldering off Sri Lanka, fire fighting continues |url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-still-smouldering-off-sri-lanka-fire-fighting-continues-82552/ |access-date=29 May 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext |date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=29 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529173143/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-still-smouldering-off-sri-lanka-fire-fighting-continues-82552/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By the morning of 30 May, the fire was mostly out and water was still being sprayed. X-Press Feeders said [[salvors]] were looking at boarding the vessel to set up a tow connection.<ref name="XpressMepa"/> Salvors boarded the vessel on 1 June for the first inspection.<ref>{{cite news |title=Salvors board X-Press Pearl off Sri Lanka after putting out fire |url=https://economynext.com/salvors-board-x-press-pearl-off-sri-lanka-after-putting-out-fire-82594/ |access-date=1 June 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext |date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215223/https://economynext.com/salvors-board-x-press-pearl-off-sri-lanka-after-putting-out-fire-82594/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Salvors found the engine room flooded and smoke still coming out from cargo hold 1, 2 and 3 intermittently.<ref>{{cite news |title=X-Press Pear sinking off Sri Lanka while being towed |url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pear-sinking-off-sri-lanka-while-being-towed-82614/ |access-date=2 June 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=2 June 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602061455/https://economynext.com/x-press-pear-sinking-off-sri-lanka-while-being-towed-82614/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Rescue operations ==
On 21 May 2021, Sri Lankan Navy deployed two [[offshore patrol vessel]]s, naval ships such as {{Ship|SLNS|Sagara||2}} and {{Ship|SLNS|Sindurala||2}} along with an aircraft in firefighting rescue operations which went in full swing despite inclement weather conditions surrounding the area.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2021|title='X-PRESS PEARL' fire continues; SLN & SLPA engaged in containment efforts|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/22/x-press-pearl-fire-continues-sln-slpa-engaged-in-containment-efforts/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522083833/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/22/x-press-pearl-fire-continues-sln-slpa-engaged-in-containment-efforts/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was revealed that the fire had been brought under control on 21 May and the cooling efforts were continued to prevent the fire from flaring up.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fire aboard MV X-Press Pearl contained, cooling efforts continue {{!}} Daily FT|url=http://www.ft.lk/front-page/Fire-aboard-MV-X-Press-Pearl--contained--cooling-efforts-continue/44-718276|access-date=22 May 2021|website=www.ft.lk|language=English|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522133323/http://www.ft.lk/front-page/Fire-aboard-MV-X-Press-Pearl--contained--cooling-efforts-continue/44-718276|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='MV X-Press Pearl' container ship fire, controlled|url=https://www.hirunews.lk/english/272015/mv-x-press-pearl-container-ship-fire-controlled|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Hiru News|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522133324/https://www.hirunews.lk/english/272015/mv-x-press-pearl-container-ship-fire-controlled|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 May, the [[Sri Lanka Air Force]] deployed a [[Bell 212]] helicopter in the rescue operations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=X-PRESS PEARL: Air Force join efforts to douse the fire (Photos)|url=https://www.hirunews.lk/english/272064/x-press-pearl-air-force-join-efforts-to-douse-the-fire-photos|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Hiru News|language=en|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521235119/https://www.hirunews.lk/english/272064/x-press-pearl-air-force-join-efforts-to-douse-the-fire-photos|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2021|title=(PICTURES) Sri Lanka Air Force deploys Bell 212 to assist to douse fire aboard 'X-Press Pearl'|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/22/pictures-sri-lanka-air-force-deploys-bell-212-to-assist-to-douse-fire-aboard-x-press-pearl/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst|language=en|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522075229/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/22/pictures-sri-lanka-air-force-deploys-bell-212-to-assist-to-douse-fire-aboard-x-press-pearl/|url-status=live}}</ref> Out of the 25 evacuated crew, two were in the hospital.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian crew member rescued from blazing ship tests positive for COVID-19 |url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/26/indian-crew-member-rescued-from-blazing-ship-tests-positive-for-covid-19/ |access-date=29 May 2021 |publisher=Newsfirst.com |date=26 May 2021 |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526115350/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/26/indian-crew-member-rescued-from-blazing-ship-tests-positive-for-covid-19/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 25, India dispatched ICG ''Vaibhav'', ICG ''Dornier'' and Tug ''Water Lilly'' to help the Sri Lankan Navy extinguish the fire. India's specialised pollution response vessel ''Samudra Prahari'' arrived on May 29. India had named the rescue efforts Operation Sagar Araksha 2.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 June 2021|title=Sri Lankan authorities using all resources to stop oil spill from gutted cargo ship|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/sri-lankan-authorities-using-all-resources-to-stop-oil-spill-from-gutted-cargo-ship-officials/article34725922.ece|publisher=PTI|access-date=4 June 2021|archive-date=4 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604192703/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/sri-lankan-authorities-using-all-resources-to-stop-oil-spill-from-gutted-cargo-ship-officials/article34725922.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 June 2021, X-Press Feeders issued a statement saying the company "regret[s] to report that despite salvors successfully boarding the vessel and attaching a tow wire, efforts to move the ship to deeper waters have failed".<ref name=":0" />

The ship remains in {{convert|21|m|ft}} deep water. Most of it is submerged, and the site is continuously monitored by a dedicated ship.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/oil-acid-plastic-inside-shipping-disaster-gripping-sri-lanka |title=Oil, acid, plastic: Inside the shipping disaster gripping Sri Lanka |publisher=UN Environment |date=12 January 2022 |access-date=1 February 2022 |archive-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201171555/https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/oil-acid-plastic-inside-shipping-disaster-gripping-sri-lanka |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Environmental damage ==
Sri Lanka's Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) said it was assessing the environmental damage and collecting evidence. Plans were made to submit an interim claim.<ref>{{cite news |title=X-Press Pearl fire: MEPA to seek compensation |url=https://www.newsradio.lk/local/mepa-to-seek-compensation-from-x-press-pearl-operators/ |access-date=28 May 2021 |issue=28 May 2021 |publisher=Newsradio.lk |date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603165709/https://www.newsradio.lk/local/mepa-to-seek-compensation-from-x-press-pearl-operators/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Plastic resin pellet pollution]] from spilled cargo was washing up on Sri Lanka's beaches from 27 May. [[Low-density polyethylene|LDPE]] pellets have also been washed onto nearby land.<ref name=DailyFT03-06-2021>{{Cite web|title=Authorities scramble to clear debris from troubled MV X-Press Pearl {{!}} Daily FT|url=https://www.ft.lk/news/Authorities-scramble-to-clear-debris-from-troubled-MV-X-Press-Pearl/56-718472|access-date=2021-06-03|website=Ft.lk|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603152336/https://www.ft.lk/news/Authorities-scramble-to-clear-debris-from-troubled-MV-X-Press-Pearl/56-718472|url-status=live}}</ref> According to MEPA, there were three containers of plastic pellets on board the ship, each weighing {{convert|26000|kg}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka battles waves of plastic waste from burning ship |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/plastics-burning-ship-cover-sri-063235862.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAM4Gh5tCyEKjDcaQGmA_8tb-u_5knbozRamuIc6PRA8EBcnJ-a2LgP_GjynNZT0K_Sie7Ip77Oi67j8vkGdI8_SuUgjnrjvOWSECDGxfljsm2-2x08jCJhn8Vu1iTbBWAsmJhL0jIEW_sLqyHPA37hr8ngk0vMy-RhnOmV0tUVo9 |agency=AFP |publisher=Yahoo.com |date=28 May 2021 |access-date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603165748/https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=2_cc-session_9f30b45c-5b2a-4ca5-acf9-b42d30dde84f |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka braces for 'almost inevitable' oil spill as ship sinks |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/6/3/sri-lanka-braces-for-almost-inevitable-oil-spill-as-ship-sinks |agency=Al Jazeera |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2 June 2021 |access-date=5 June 2021 |archive-date=5 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605194906/https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/6/3/sri-lanka-braces-for-almost-inevitable-oil-spill-as-ship-sinks |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[NPR]]'s Laurel Wamsley described the incident as an [[environmental disaster]] in June 2021.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka Faces An Environmental Disaster As A Ship Full Of Chemicals Starts Sinking|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|access-date=2021-06-03|website=NPR.org|language=en|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603065417/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|url-status=live}}</ref>

Health experts and MEPA also warned that there are possibilities for mild [[acid rain]]s in Sri Lanka due to the emission of [[nitrogen dioxide]].<ref>{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=29 May 2021|title=Burning cargo vessel could result in slight acid rains in Sri Lanka: Authorities|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/burning-cargo-vessel-could-result-in-slight-acid-rains-in-sri-lanka-authorities/article34673960.ece|access-date=29 May 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=29 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529080756/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/burning-cargo-vessel-could-result-in-slight-acid-rains-in-sri-lanka-authorities/article34673960.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Sri Lanka authorities banned coastal fishing from [[Kalutara]] to [[Negombo]], over contamination fears. About 5,600 one-day boats were unable to venture out and the government promised compensation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Si Lanka halts coastal fishing over X-Press Pearl pollution hitting 5,600 boats |url=https://economynext.com/si-lanka-halts-coastal-fishing-over-x-press-pearl-pollution-hitting-5600-boats-82536/ |access-date=29 May 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext |date=28 May 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213127/https://economynext.com/si-lanka-halts-coastal-fishing-over-x-press-pearl-pollution-hitting-5600-boats-82536/ |url-status=live }}</ref> People were also urged by MEPA not to touch any debris from the container ship which is contaminated with toxic substances.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Do not touch 'toxic' debris from 'X-Press Pearl' – MEPA|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/74126/do-not-touch-toxic-debris-from-x-press-pearl-mepa|access-date=31 May 2021|website=www.adaderana.lk|language=en|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215433/http://www.adaderana.lk/news/74126/do-not-touch-toxic-debris-from-x-press-pearl-mepa|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka: Central Environmental Authority issues guidelines for removal of debris from MV X-Press Pearl|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/May31_1622443298CH.php|access-date=31 May 2021|website=www.colombopage.com|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531110559/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/May31_1622443298CH.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

A police complaint was made to investigate negligence. It was also assembling an expert panel to assess longer-term environmental damage. Dead fish and turtles continued to wash up on Sri Lanka's beaches and were examined to determine if their deaths were caused by the spill.<ref name="XpressMepa"/> Out of the 1,486 containers, 81 of those were regarded as toxic harmful dangerous containers inclusive of five tons of nitric acid.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|title=Sri Lanka Faces An Environmental Disaster As A Ship Full Of Chemicals Starts Sinking|website=NPR.org|access-date=3 June 2021|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603065417/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2021, it was reported that the container ship had sunk, which would trigger adverse effects on marine species.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2 June 2021|title=Fears of environmental disaster as oil-laden ship sinks off Sri Lanka|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57327300|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602074608/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57327300|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 June, salvors set up a line towing ''X-Press Pearl'' away from the coast when the stern hit bottom, forcing them to abort the operation. Sri Lanka Navy Captain Indika de Silva said it was not clear whether there was any un-burnt bunker oil left on the vessel but authorities were on the watch for an oil spill.<ref>{{cite news |title=X-Press Pearl stern hits bottom aborting tow, Sri Lanka renews oil spill watch |url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-stern-hits-bottom-aborting-tow-sri-lanka-renews-oil-spill-watch-82625/ |access-date=2 June 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=2 June 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214746/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-stern-hits-bottom-aborting-tow-sri-lanka-renews-oil-spill-watch-82625/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Sri Lanka ordered salvors to remove bunker oil, if any had survived the blaze, and take containment measures. X-Press Feeders said it had hired Oil Spill Response to support the effort. The operators had engaged SMIT Salvage when the crisis first started. By 3 June, the vessel was still partially afloat, with the aft section resting on the bottom {{convert|21|m}} below.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka directs X-Press Pearl salvors to take oil out of gutted ship – if any remains |url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-directs-x-press-pearl-salvors-to-take-oil-out-of-gutted-ship-if-any-remains-82652/ |access-date=3 June 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=3 June 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603151227/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-directs-x-press-pearl-salvors-to-take-oil-out-of-gutted-ship-if-any-remains-82652/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=MEPA ready to face any oil spill from X-PRESS PEARL |url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/03/mepa-ready-to-face-any-oil-spill-from-x-press-pearl/ |access-date=3 June 2021 |publisher=Newsfirst.lk |date=3 June 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603071953/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/03/mepa-ready-to-face-any-oil-spill-from-x-press-pearl/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Chief Executive of X-Press Feeders Shmuel Yoskovitz apologized to the people of Sri Lanka for the incident. "I'd like to express my deep regrets and apologies to the Sri Lankan people for the harm this incident has caused to the livelihood and to the environment of Sri Lanka," he was quoted as saying in an interview with Singapore's [[Channel News Asia]].<ref>{{cite news |title=CEO of vessel operator apologises for impact of sunken container ship off Sri Lanka coast |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/sri-lanka-container-ship-x-press-pearl-operator-ceo-apologises-14941088 |access-date=4 June 2021 |publisher=channelnewsasia.com |date=3 June 2021 |archive-date=4 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604000557/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/sri-lanka-container-ship-x-press-pearl-operator-ceo-apologises-14941088 |url-status=live }}</ref> Authorities in Sri Lanka continued to collect debris and plastic pellets in what was described as the biggest ever [[Plastic resin pellet pollution|nurdle]] hunt in the country. About 34 containers had been filled with debris from ''X-Press Pearl'' including nurdles.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka in biggest ever nurdle hunt after X-Press Pearl spill, volunteer hunters arrested |url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-in-biggest-ever-nurdle-hunt-after-x-press-pearl-spill-volunteer-hunters-arrested-82662/ |access-date=4 June 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=4 June 2021 |archive-date=4 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604054631/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-in-biggest-ever-nurdle-hunt-after-x-press-pearl-spill-volunteer-hunters-arrested-82662/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Authorities had collected 1,075 tonnes of debris, including sand, which were stored in containers by 8 June.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka scrapes 1,075 tonnes of X-Press Pearl waste off shores |url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-scrapes-1075-tonnes-of-x-press-pearl-waste-off-shores-82786/ |access-date=10 June 2021 |publisher=EconomynNext |date=9 June 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610013754/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-scrapes-1075-tonnes-of-x-press-pearl-waste-off-shores-82786/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of 15 June 2021, about 40 dead turtles were reported to have washed up on the shore.<ref>{{cite news |title=X-Press Pearl: Sri Lanka forms expert groups for environmental, economic costs |url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/07/dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sl-shores-authorities-plan-to-seek-maximum-compensation/ |access-date=10 June 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610013756/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/07/dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sl-shores-authorities-plan-to-seek-maximum-compensation/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dead sea turtles continue to wash up on SL shores; Authorities plan to seek maximum compensation |url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/07/dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sl-shores-authorities-plan-to-seek-maximum-compensation/ |access-date=10 June 2021 |publisher=Newsfirst.lk |date=7 June 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610013756/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/07/dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sl-shores-authorities-plan-to-seek-maximum-compensation/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to turtles, many species of fish, whales, and at least six dolphins also washed up with multiple burn markings; aquatic species are also seriously affected by the dispersal of the plastic pellets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dead Sea Turtles Continue To Wash Up On Sri Lankan Shores |url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/15/pictures-dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sri-lankan-shores/ |access-date=2021-06-14 |website=newsfirst |archive-date=15 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615102932/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/15/pictures-dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sri-lankan-shores/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dead whales, turtles & dolphins wash up on SL shores; Activists warn numbers could rise |url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/15/dead-whales-turtles-activists-warn-numbers-could-rise/ |access-date=2021-06-14 |website=newsfirst |archive-date=15 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615182110/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/15/dead-whales-turtles-activists-warn-numbers-could-rise/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-29|title=Nurdles: the worst toxic waste you've probably never heard of|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/29/nurdles-plastic-pellets-environmental-ocean-spills-toxic-waste-not-classified-hazardous|access-date=2021-11-30|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130192301/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/29/nurdles-plastic-pellets-environmental-ocean-spills-toxic-waste-not-classified-hazardous|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Investigations ==
Investigations into the fire on board the container ship were initiated on 30 May.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka launches probe after burning ship pollutes beaches|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/30/sri-lanka-launches-probe-after-burning-ship-pollutes-beaches|access-date=31 May 2021|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531003859/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/30/sri-lanka-launches-probe-after-burning-ship-pollutes-beaches|url-status=live}}</ref> [[C. D. Wickramaratne]], [[Inspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)|Inspector General of Police]], instructed the police to hand over the investigations to Sri Lanka's [[Criminal Investigation Department (Sri Lanka)|Criminal Investigation Department]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=bugsbunny|date=31 May 2021|title=Criminal investigation underway over fire on X-Press Pearl|url=https://colombogazette.com/2021/05/31/criminal-investigation-underway-over-fire-on-x-press-pearl/|access-date=31 May 2021|website=Colombo Gazette|language=en-US|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531042632/https://colombogazette.com/2021/05/31/criminal-investigation-underway-over-fire-on-x-press-pearl/|url-status=live}}</ref> with authorities warning of possible legal action against X-Press Feeders, the vessel's owners.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Slawomir|last=Palenda|date=31 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka readies to sue owners of the fire-struck X-Press Pearl|url=https://splash247.com/sri-lanka-readies-to-sue-owners-of-the-fire-struck-x-press-pearl/|access-date=31 May 2021|website=Splash247|language=en-GB|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531064520/https://splash247.com/sri-lanka-readies-to-sue-owners-of-the-fire-struck-x-press-pearl/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 31 May, a police spokesman revealed that a ten-member police special team had begun to record statements from the captain and chief engineer of ''X-Press Pearl''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka : Sri Lanka CID to record statements from captain and chief engineer of MV X-Press Pearl today|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/May31_1622438786CH.php|access-date=31 May 2021|website=www.colombopage.com|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531061928/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/May31_1622438786CH.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=31 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl salvors mull boarding as Sri Lanka eyes pollution claim|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567|access-date=31 May 2021|website=EconomyNext|language=en|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603020131/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sri Lanka Police questioned the chief officer of X-Press Pearl over two days on the vessel's container stowage plan. The ship was carrying multiple classes of [[International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code|dangerous goods]] including [[sodium hydroxide]] (caustic soda) in holds as well as at least one container of nitric acid which was leaking on deck. The [[voyage data recorder]] (VDR) or black box, was also recovered.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka recovers X-Press Pearl black box, chief officer questioned on stowage plan |url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-recovers-x-press-pearl-black-box-chief-officer-questioned-on-stowage-plan-82711/ |access-date=6 June 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=6 June 2021 |archive-date=6 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606142823/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-recovers-x-press-pearl-black-box-chief-officer-questioned-on-stowage-plan-82711/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Black box recovered from fire-stricken ship sinking off Sri Lanka |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/6/data-recovered-as-ship-with-chemicals-sinking-off-sri-lanka |access-date=6 June 2021 |publisher=aljazeera.com |date=6 June 2021 |archive-date=6 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606074900/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/6/data-recovered-as-ship-with-chemicals-sinking-off-sri-lanka |url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 June 2021, the chairman of local shipping agency, Arjuna Hettiarachchi representing ''X-Press Pearl'' ship who was identified as the main suspect regarding the incident was granted bail by the Colombo High Court.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MV X-Press Pearl local agent granted bail by High Court {{!}} Daily FT|url=https://www.ft.lk/news/MV-X-Press-Pearl-local-agent-granted-bail-by-High-Court/56-719311|access-date=2021-06-17|website=www.ft.lk|language=English|archive-date=17 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617025407/https://www.ft.lk/news/MV-X-Press-Pearl-local-agent-granted-bail-by-High-Court/56-719311|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Chairman of X-Press Pearl's local agency granted bail|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/74700/chairman-of-x-press-pearls-local-agency-granted-bail|access-date=2021-06-17|website=www.adaderana.lk|language=en|archive-date=16 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616100138/http://www.adaderana.lk/news/74700/chairman-of-x-press-pearls-local-agency-granted-bail|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 31 October, OpenFacto, the French Collective for open source research, published an investigation<ref>{{Cite web|last=OpenFacto|title=Pourquoi la Prolifération est mauvaise pour les tortues {{!}} OpenFacto|url=https://openfacto.fr/2021/10/31/pourquoi-la-proliferation-est-mauvaise-pour-les-tortues/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-31|language=fr-FR|archive-date=31 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031215833/https://openfacto.fr/2021/10/31/pourquoi-la-proliferation-est-mauvaise-pour-les-tortues/}}</ref> tracking the nitric acid container to Iran where it was allegedly sold by a broker company called ChemiPakhsh Paykan and produced<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nitric Acid Cargo on X-Press Pearl Came from Iran|url=https://ceylontoday.lk/news/nitric-acid-cargo-on-x-press-pearl-came-from-iran|access-date=2021-10-31|website=CeylonToday|language=en|archive-date=31 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031215832/https://ceylontoday.lk/news/nitric-acid-cargo-on-x-press-pearl-came-from-iran|url-status=dead}}</ref> by Esfahan Chemical Industries, a sanctioned<ref>{{Cite web|last=Canada|first=Global Affairs|date=2015-10-19|title=Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List|url=https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/sanctions/consolidated-consolide.aspx?lang=eng|access-date=2021-10-31|website=GAC|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517222157/https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/sanctions/consolidated-consolide.aspx?lang=eng|url-status=live}}</ref> affiliate of the [[Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (Iran)|Iranian Ministry of Defence]].

== Economic impact ==
Local fishermen in Sri Lanka were ordered to stay ashore because of the pollution; it may affect local economies. Denzil Fernando, a regional fishing union chief, stated that the fishing ban will affect 4,300 families.<ref name=BBC03-06-2021>{{Cite news|date=3 June 2021|title=X-Press Pearl: Sri Lanka braces for environmental disaster from sunken ship|language=en-GB|publisher=[[BBC News]]|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57343139|access-date=4 June 2021|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603125206/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57343139|url-status=live}}</ref> Rob Hawes, head of marine at loss adjuster Crawford & Co. estimated that the cargo loss of the X-Press Pearl could range between $30 million and $50 million in addition to the loss of the vessel.<ref>{{Cite web|title=X-Press Pearl loss will add to insurers' container ship headaches|url=https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/x-press-pearl-loss-will-add-to-insurers-container-ship-headaches-64571553|access-date=4 June 2021|publisher=[[S&P Global]]|language=en-us|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531180350/https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/x-press-pearl-loss-will-add-to-insurers-container-ship-headaches-64571553|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Environmental issues in Sri Lanka]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{2021 shipwrecks}}

[[Category:Maritime incidents in 2021]]
[[Category:Container ships]]
[[Category:2021 in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:June 2021 events in Asia]]
[[Category:Ships built in China]]
[[Category:Environmental disasters in Asia]]
[[Category:Ship fires]]
[[Category:Shipwrecks in the Indian Ocean]]
[[Category:2021 fires in Asia]]
[[Category:2021 disasters in Asia]]
[[Category:2020 ships]]
[[Category:Environmentalism in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Merchant ships of Singapore]]