Environmentalists teaming up to file legal action against X-Press Pearl

By Ifham Nizam and Norman Palihawadane

Environmentalists are teaming up to file legal action against the ill-fated vessel MV X-PRESS PEARL, stressing that the damage is huge and elsewhere authorities had taken action against the ship’s Captain and the crew.

A similar incident had taken place in Indonesia this week and authorities took action against the ship crew, environmental activist Nayanaka Ranwella said.

Ranwella said that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority should release documents with regard to the contents of the vessel without further delay.

“These documents are said to be with the Ports Authority,” he said.

“I believe that the authorities should initiate an investigation after collecting details from the Black Box of the ship,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigations Department yesterday appointed a 10-member team to investigate the ship fire.

The investigation is being conducted by three Chief Inspectors and an Assistant Superintendent on the instructions of the Director and the DIG of the Criminal Investigations Department.

Last week, the Director-General of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) filed a complaint with the Harbour Police over the environmental destruction caused by the fire onboard the vessel.

Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said the Colombo Harbour Police had presented facts to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and on the orders of the court, samples had been sent to the Government Analyst.

DIG Rohana also said that they were in the process of seeking Interpol assistance against the ship.

The CID was in the process of recording statements from the Captain and Chief Engineer of the vessel.

In addition, a separate investigation has go underway against the people who violated the quarantine rules by leaving their residences in Pamuuugama, Kochchikade, Negombo, and Dungalpitiya police areas to collect debris from the blazing container ship.

The affected seafront is known for its crabs and jumbo prawns. It is also a popular tourist beach.

“This is probably the worst beach pollution in our history,” said Dharshani Lahandapura, head of Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment and Protection Authority (MEPA).

Hundreds of military and security personnel in hazmat suits are cleaning the beaches of plastic waste and other debris from the ship, which caught fire on May 20.

The impact of the debris has had on mangroves, lagoons and marine wildlife in the region is being assessed.

The jobs of thousands of fishermen are at risk, according to authorities, and the MEPA said a possible oil leak would only add to the devastation.

Much of the ship’s cargo, including 25 tonnes of nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, lubricants and other chemicals, had apparently been destroyed by the fire, officials said.