Owners of the X-press Pearl – which has been engulfed in fire for a week following an acid leak - yesterday confirmed that efforts to extinguish the fire were ongoing.
A spokesman said that all efforts were being taken to save the vessel and cargo and protect the marine environment. “It appears that the onboard fire has diminished somewhat,” the spokesman said.
The Singapore-flagged containership first ran into trouble last Thursday when it reported smoke billowing from the cargo hold while at Colombo anchorage, Sri Lanka.
Emergency procedures were initiated, and CO2 released in the cargo hold. Port control and the local authority were informed, and Sri Lankan navy assets along with fire-fighting teams were placed on standby.
As the situation escalated, and following a louder explosion on Tuesday, all 13 crew and the fire-fighting team of 12 were evacuated and transferred to a quarantine facility ashore.
Two crew members suffered leg injuries during evacuation and were taken to hospital for attention but are reported to be in a stable condition.
The 2 700-TEU X-Press Pearl – which was carrying 1 486 containers on board and 25 tonnes of acid - has only been in service since February.
