Fire on X-Press Pearl: Ship’s VDR recovered

Marine experts from the Merchant Shipping Secretariat with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy have recovered the Voyage Data Recorder, or VDR- commonly known as the “Ship’s Black Box” of MV X-Press Pearl, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said.

The ship operated by X-Press Feeders caught fire while waiting at the outer harbour of Port of Colombo for a berth to carry out scheduled container handlings.

The recovered VDR is now been handed over to the local law enforcement agencies to assist ongoing investigations, the SLPA said.

VDR is an instrument safely installed on a ship to continuously record vital information related to the operation of a vessel. VDR data on a ship can be used as vital information during an accident investigation.

Meanwhile, the aft or stern portion of the distressed ship is remaining on the seabed at a depth of about 21 meters, and the forward section continues to settle down slowly. An initial inspection has been carried out by divers to assess the condition of the hull.

No signs of oil or chemical spills have detected so far, SLPA added. “Sri Lankan Navy, Indian Coast Guard, salvos and local authorities capable of responding to any signs of oil pollution or debris are presently on the scene and are keenly monitoring the situation around the clock,”