Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) has confirmed that firefighting operations to extinguish the blaze aboard the X-Press Pearl, which is operated by X-Press Feeders, have further reduced the area affected by flames to small spot fires in the aft of the ship.
Firefighting tugs continued in spraying and misting the vessel with support from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Navy, and Indian Coast Guard, who remain on scene, according to a statement.
SLPA said salvors are also exploring the possibility of boarding the ship and making a tow connection so it can be moved.
In the meantime, firefighters and salvors have confirmed that the vessel’s hull remains structurally intact, and no oil or chemical spill observed till now. Meanwhile, shoreline clean-up efforts to dispose of any debris that has come ashore safely continued for the fourth day.
