29-May-2021

X-Press Feeders, operators of the container ship 'X-Press Pearl' report that firefighting operations to extinguish the blaze aboard the vessel have successfully reduced the area affected by flames and contained it to the aft of the ship, despite the adverse weather conditions.

Firefighting tugs will continue spraying and misting the vessel with support from the Sri Lankan Navy and Indian coastguard, who remain on scene.

As of 0945 Hours on May 29, 2021, Sri Lankan time, the salvors have confirmed that the vessel's hull remains structurally intact, as do the bunker tanks, and there has been no loss of oil into the port’s waters. The Sri Lankan Navy has also confirmed that there have been no oil sightings since the fire began.

Contractors continue working with local authorities on their third day of shoreline clean up efforts to safely dispose of the debris that has come ashore in some areas; this work is ongoing.

The crew member who was transferred to a special facility in a military hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 remains asymptomatic and is recovering from a leg injury sustained during his evacuation from the vessel. A second injured crew member continues to recover from his injuries in a local hospital.

All other crew members who remain in a Colombo quarantine facility are in good health and are in contact with their families.

We remain fully focused on the ongoing firefighting and salvage operation and will co-operate with the relevant investigations into the cause of the fire.

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