The Island editorial today says the ill-fated supertanker, MT New Diamond, which was recently saved by jointly Sri Lanka and India, has been towed away from the Sri Lankan waters, while negotiations are on claims regarding marine pollution caused by oil spill from this vessel.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) allowed the tanker to leave, although the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) had informed that the ship should not be towed until negotiations are over. Sri Lankan scientists have confirmed that the ill-fated ship has caused considerable environmental damages. Even with the intervention of the Attorney General (AG), nobody has been able to stop the ship from leaving Sri Lankan waters. The editorial insinuates the involvement of a powerful invisible hand behind this high-handed act. This is based on the premise of the valid substance it has spread, giving suspicion to the manner in which the ship has been released without the environmental damage is settled and the consent of the AG who has gone for litigation.

Undoubtedly, MT New Diamond caused massive environmental damage to the eastern seas after the explosion of the ship, resulting in the leak of layers of oil. Marine scientists have warned that damage has already been inflicted upon marine life. It is unavoidable to witness signs of harmful effects on marine species, that seemed to emerge as several turtle carcasses were washed ashore in Colombo according to a news report. Concerns have been raised that this occurrence may be a result of the MT New Diamond’s oil leak, as marine species, especially as the seas off Sri Lanka’s East coast, are home to many exotic marine species such as whales, dolphins and turtles. Dr. Jayasinghe, Principal Scientist of NARA, is reported to have said he had observed several turtles which seemed to be finding it difficult to swim downwards during a recent inspection journey, which should be an eye-opener to all those who value the precious lives of the endangered turtle species. Incidentally, it must be stated here that Sri Lanka is home to 5 out of 8 endangered turtle species.

The seas of Sri Lanka’s East Coast are home to many exotic marine species such as whales, dolphins and turtles, and the extinction of these endangered species could be a high probability in the years to come, as a result of this catastrophe.

Though the Government has declared that it had received Rs 442 million, which is equivalent to US $ 2.39 million, from the owners on the expenses incurred by the several parties in dousing the fire, there has been no undertaking from the owners that they would settle the compensation on account of damages caused to the marine environment.

It is in this background that an institution called Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), that we never heard of in this whole episode came into light; and they have undertaken the responsibility of giving permission to tow the vessel away from Sri Lankan waters, with the understanding that the ship owner settles the compensation on damages to the marine environment. In the absence of any legal binding of this assurance, and the concurrence of the AG not being taken, the people suspect some foul play in this episode. There are several questions to be raised in this connection. Knowing very well that litigation is pending in the Magistrate Court, why has the so-called MRCC failed to consult the Magistrate or the AG before releasing the vessel? Can the MRCC, a miniscule branch of the Sri Lanka Navy bypass the AG, when a claim to the magnitude of over Rs 4 billion is being negotiated? The MRCC should have borne in mind that AG and MEPA are negotiating a multi-million compensation of US $ 4 billion, unlike the compensation of US $ 2.39 million it has received from the ship owners.

The Naval Spokesman’s contention that the MRCC has endorsed the assurance of payment of compensation appears to be a sugar-coated pill, in order to mislead the public. In that case, the MRCC should have obtained permission from the Navy Commander, who will, in turn, refer compensation either to the AG or to the Ministry of Defence or Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Cabinet of Ministers. Other reasons adduced by the Navy for retaining the ill-fated ship in our territory appears to be humbug, which ordinary masses will not buy; having learnt bitter lessons when calamitous situations arose in the past such as the tsunami disaster.

As The Island Editor pointed out, we smell a rat!

DISGRUNTLED MARINE

ENVIRONMENTALIST