The chemicals under the dangerous cargo category loaded on burnt ship X press Pearl in Colombo have been revealed. Of the 1486 containers on board, only 25 metric tons of nitric acid were declared but the exact amount of other chemicals on board was not disclosed.
According to preliminary investigations, in addition to the 25 MT of nitric acid as a hazardous substance, there was methanol, solid caustic soda, sodium methoxide solvent, a pharmaceutical and industrial raw material, and vinyl acetate inhibitors used in the manufacture of paints and gums. The local agent for this ship is Sea Consortium Lanka.
The MV X-Press pearl, has begun to sink. The stock of oil here is about 300 metric tons, which warns of the imminent oil spill.
If so, it is expected to extend from Dikowita to Kapungoda in Negombo. The Sri Lanka Marine Pollution Control Authority (SLMAA) has announced that a water leak in the rear of the ship could lead to a sudden oil spill, resulting in a loss of stability in the back of the ship.
The Fisheries Department has warned that fishing activities in the sea area from Negombo Lagoon to Panadura will be suspended until further notice