Fire on X-Press Pearl: Operation aborted for safety reasons

The operation launched by salvors to tow the MV X-Press Pearl vessel into the deep sea had to be halted today for safety reasons, according to Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

Salvors have finally embarked on MV X-Press Pearl after dousing the fire yesterday

According to the initial assessments carried out, salvos observed that the engine room of the vessel was flooded.

Press Feeders, operators of the container ship 'X-Press Pearl' confirmed today that salvors report no visible flames aboard the vessel, though smoke is still emitting intermittently from cargo holds 1,2 and 3.

​”An inspection team were able to board the vessel on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 1, and reported the engine room flooded. There are now concerns over the amount of water in the hull and its effect on the ship's stability. Efforts to make a connection for towing failed after several attempts due to the tug's movement caused by the swell. The operation was aborted for safety reasons,” the statement said.

​A team has reboarded the vessel again today for further investigations and to renew attempts to make a line connection on the bow.  If the connection is made, the ship will be towed in a westerly direction, away from the coastline. There is continued support from the Sri Lankan Navy and Indian coastguard, who remain on scene.

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