10-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. Inspections thus far by Sri Lankan Navy divers have found no evidence of a breach to the ships fuel oil tanks, and observations from the Salvors who remain on scene with the Sri Lankan Navy and Indian Coastguard are there has been no noticeable fuel oil spill.

A grey sheen has been observed emanating from the vessel, and water samples are currently being tested. Discolouration of the sea has been apparent since the vessel's stern became submerged, and the remnants of the cargo in the 1486 containers that were onboard were exposed to water.

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.

The salvors will 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.

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