News
Major oil spill averted after ship crashes onto reef off Galle
The Rumassala coastline, including a coral reef off Galle, has been protected through immediate action to siphon out 22 metric tonnes of oil from the ‘Sri Lanka Glory’, a vessel which recently crashed into the rocks in adverse weather conditions. ‘Sri Lanka Glory’ had drifted towards the Rumassala coastal line from the Galle Port due to heavy winds and turbulent ocean currents.
'Sri Lanka Glory', a vessel which recently crashed into the rocks in adverse weather conditions. Pic by Gamini Mahadura
There was great concern with regard to this operation, as a rupture in the vessel’s hull could have resulted in a major oil spill with severe harm to the the nearby environment, while posing a threat to the nearby Bonavista coral reef.
Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) Chairman Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Rohana Perera reported the threat had been averted and the ship now abandoned.
“The owner of the vessel, an Indian national, is claiming insurance.”
Rear Admiral Perera stated that the owner is reportedly parting with the ship.
“The agent nor the ship’s crew is looking after the ship. In these cases the country obtains ownership of the vessel. Hence, it has been handed over to the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, which will take appropriate action based on a casualty investigation report,” he said.
The 9 crew members aboard the ‘Sri Lanka Glory’ were reportedly rescued by the Navy, in harsh weather conditions and trying circumstances.
MEPA Deputy General Manager A.J.M. Gunasekara said there were no obstacles to the successful clean up operation, which the owner and the agent proceeded to carry out via the employment of private contractors, under the supervision of MEPA, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Sri Lanka Navy.
He stated that the Singaporean insurance company had sent two representatives who are currently discussing the eligibility of the insurance claims with the owner.
There was reportedly no oil pollution, as the oil within the vessel was removed before it could leak out.
“It is difficult to examine the seabed, as the rough seas continue to prevent any diving operations from taking place. Thus it is hard to say how much damage has actually been caused as of now. The country’s maritime disaster response capabilities must improve, and policies must be implemented,” he said.
He said this as there is no Port and Shipping development policy in place at present. He stressed that this is a matter that needs addressing and that policies need to be implemented to avoid such situations in the future.