Indian Coast Guard in full swing to control fire onboard container vessel MV X-Press Pearl off Colombo, Sri Lanka

The efforts of Indian Coast Guard, ICG are in full swing to control the fire onboard container vessel MV X-Press Pearl off Colombo, Sri Lanka. Defence Ministry said, following the request of Sri Lankan authorities, ICG swiftly deployed its assets to provide immediate assistance to MV X-Press Pearl.

 

The Ministry said, ICG ship Vaibhav on maritime patrol was diverted immediately to reach the scene of incident. ICG ship Vajra, which was despatched from Tuticorin, arrived at the site in the wee hours yesterday. Presently, both the ships are



fighting the intense fire onboard the vessel using external fire-fighting system braving the odds of rough weather.

 

The distressed vessel MV X-Press Pearl was carrying 1,486 containers with nitric acid and other hazardous chemicals. Concerted joint efforts are in progress by two ICG ships and four tugs of Sri Lankan authorities to douse the fire. The Indian Coast Guard has also kept its formations at Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin on standby for immediate assistance towards Pollution Response.