Since May 20th much of this has been put in jeopardy, when the MV X-Press Pearl caught fire off the coast of Colombo and burned for two weeks before sinking. The vessel had on board 1,486 containers, plus 350 metric tons of oil in its tanks, when it caught fire. Eighty-one (81) of these containers held “dangerous goods” which included 25 metric tons of nitric acid, in addition to other chemicals.
A tugboat from the Dutch salvage firm SMIT towed the fire-stricken Singapore registered container ship away from the coast of Colombo on the 2nd June, but still the vessel is causing havoc in the area.
Pollution from the sunken ship is devastating local marine life. So far, the already endangered Sea Turtle is dying by the dozens. Most likely poisoned by the toxic chemicals seeping from the vessel. The Sri Lankan Government says more than 170 turtles, four whales and 20 dolphins have washed up dead.
In addition, the ship was carrying 80 tons of plastic pellets which are now well spread and further threatening marine life and birds, most likely through suffocation or choking.