Indian Coast Guard continues aiding Lankan Navy to douse fire at MVX Press Pearl

Indian Coast Guard has sent three ships to aid Sri Lankan navy in fire fighting operation to douse massive fire at Singapore-flagged MV X Press Pearl, which has been fuelling severe environmental concerns off coast of Colombo. Sri Lanka has deployed four tugs in fire fighting operation. massive fire at MV X Press Pearl is perceived as worst marine ecological disaster by Sri Lanka's top environment body in history of ecological disasters in country.

cargo vessel MV X Press Pearl was carrying a consignment of chemicals and raw materials for cosmetics from Hazira in Gujarat to Colombo Port on May 20 when it caught fire some 9.5 nautical miles away from port of Colombo. Apart from 325 metric tonnes of fuel in its tanks, vessel was loed with 1,486 containers carrying about 25 tonnes of hazardous nitric acid. 25 crew members of ship who were of Indian, Chinese, Filipi, and Russian origin, have been rescued on Tuesday and safely brought ashore.

"ICG formations at Kochi, Chennai & Tuticorin remain on standby for immediate assistance. Indian Coast Guard is maintaining continuous liaison with Sri Lankan Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Environment Protection Authority & or authorities," Ministry of Defence said.

India's assistance in fire fighting mission

According to ICG, joint firefighting efforts have yielded positive results with fire being moderately reduced and two countries continue to douse flames. Authorities say fire was under control and possibility of ship's sinking was less. Sri Lankan Air Force have dropped fire dousing materials to pacify fire. On May 25, India responded to SOS of Sri Lanka Navy and deployed ICG Vaibhav, ICG Dornier and Tug Water Lilly for fighting fire in tandem with Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force. Maritime Pollution Preventive Ship Samudra Prahari has also been deployed by Indian Coast Guard.

Ecological impact

Sri Lankan environment groups fear dam that has been caused to marine life and ecology surround region in Negombo Lagoon which is a major tourist attraction. Darshani Lahandapura, Chairperson of Marine Environment Pollution Authority (MEPA), said that according to available information so far this would be worst marine ecological disaster in island nation. She ded that plastic bes floating in waters covering affected coastal area are bly affecting marine ecology in respective areas. officials said a large number of de sea turtles, birds and small fish could be seen along coast.