08-Jun-2021

X-Press Feeders, operators of the container ship 'X-Press Pearl', confirm that the situation on scene remains under observation with no signs of debris and no confirmed reports of fuel oil pollution as of 1800 Sri Lanka local time.

The ships aft portion remains on the seabed at a depth of about 21 meters, and the forward section remains afloat and is reported as stable. A marine chemist continues to take readings of the air around the vessel and test water samples to ensure the site's safety.

The salvors remain on scene to deal with any possible debris supported by the Sri Lankan Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, who have oil spill response capabilities on standby.

Ashore representatives of ITOPF and Oil Spill Response are monitoring updates from the scene and remain on standby to be deployed in case of any reported spill. They are coordinating with MEPA and the Sri Lankan Navy on an established plan to deal with any possible spill of oil and other pollutants.

The shoreline cleanup is ongoing, and we remain committed to contributing earth movers to assist. We thank MEPA and the Sri Lankan Navy for their efforts during this lockdown in Sri Lanka, and they will further guide us on what assistance is needed and how we can provide it.

The crew remain housed in a quarantine hotel and continue to co-operate with local police in their investigations, with more interviews due to be conducted tomorrow. One seafarer remains in a private hospital recovering from leg injuries sustained in the evacuation from the ship. A second injured seafarer, who tested Covid positive but remains asymptomatic, is recovering in a military hospital.

Further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.