An explosion on the smouldering X-Press Pearl has sett eh fires burning again on board the vessel with the crew now evacuated for their own safety, while two crew were injured in this morning’s explosion.
The injured seafarers have been evacuated to The National Hospital In Colombo, according to local reports as firefighting efforts to contain the fire aboard the vessel are stepped up with Smit Salvage also on the scene. At least eight containers are said to have been lost overboard so far, while the owners have now declared general average.
The Sri Lanka Navy is expected to tow the vessel 50nm out to sea in an effort to prevent contamination of the island state’s coastal region. A navy tug is in the vicinity and is prepared for immediate deployment should this be necessary.
Insurance claims consultancy WK Webster has confirmed that general average has been declared, and that GA security will be required from all cargo interests prior to the delivery of freight.
WK Webster added, “Cargo surveyors have been retained to inspect cargo where required and a marine investigator too, this will assist in identifying the nature of damage suffered and the possible causes allowing us to then seek necessary recourse for such losses, whether that be in GA or via the traditional Recovery route.”
Source: Sri Lanka Air Force
