Explosion engulfs the X-Press Pearl and its crew evacuated

The X-Press Pearl was on fire in Colombo (Image: Sri Lanka Ports Authority)

Injured crew members on board the X-Press Pearl were evacuated to the National Hospital in Colombo, according to local reports as firefighting efforts to contain the blaze on board were ramped up in support with Smit Salvage (a company specializing in providing rescue and towing services worldwide) was also at the scene. At least eight containers are believed to have been lost on board the vessel so far, while the ship's owner has now claimed general average.

The Sri Lankan navy is expected to tow the ship 50 miles away from the port of Colombo in an effort to prevent pollution of the island nation's coastal areas, fearing an oil and chemical spill after eight containers crashed into the sea and the fire continued to spread. A naval tug is nearby and is prepared for immediate deployment if this is necessary.

X-press Pearl itinerary and location in Colombo (Source: VesselFinder)

The 2,700TEU sub-Panamax container ship was delivered in February this year and has a market value of USD 43.79 million.

Insurance claims consultancy WK Webster has confirmed that general average has been declared and GA secrecy will be required for all cargo benefits prior to shipment.

WK Webster adds, “Cargo surveyors have been retained to inspect cargo where required and a marine investigator too, this will assist in identifying the nature of damage suffered and the possible causes allowing us to then seek necessary recourse for such losses, whether that be in GA or via the traditional Recovery route.”

The 2,700 teu X-Press Pearl, which has only been in operation for three months, is deployed for the Singapore-Middle East SMX service. The first fire was on board the ship on 19 May as it was waiting to enter port.

Source: Phaata.com (Adapted from ContainerNews / Loadstar)

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