26-May-2021

X-Press Feeders, operators of the container ship 'X-Press Pearl' (IMO: 9875343) report that efforts to extinguish the fire onboard are ongoing with three firefighting tugs, helicopters and the Sri Lankan Navy and Indian coastguard on scene.

The vessel remains at anchor off Colombo port with firefighters and salvage experts flown in from Europe working with the local authorities in their efforts to save the vessel and its cargo, despite the adverse weather due to the onset of southwest monsoons.

The two crew members who received leg injuries during their evacuation from the ship on the morning of Tuesday, May 25 remain in hospital in a stable condition. One of the seafarers has since tested positive for Covid-19 and has been transferred to a special facility in a military hospital for further treatment, he remains asymptomatic. The other 23 crew members are in a Colombo quarantine facility and are in good health.

The crew members are in contact with their families and X-Press Feeders will continue to liaise with customers about their cargo.

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