X-Press Pearl wreck removal delayed by monsoon
Owners of fire-hit containership say she will be removed after the south westerly monsoon has ended.
By Marc Allen
X-Press Feeders, the owners of the fire-stricken and sunken containership, X-Press Pearl, say efforts to remove the boxship will have to put on hold until the south westerly monsoon has passed.
The vessel has already contaminated a long stretch of the Sri Lankan coastline and has caretaker salvors on a 24-hour watch to report leaks, spills and debris, the owners said.
“Due to the exposed nature of the anchorage to the prevailing South Westerly Monsoon, it is likely that the wreck removal can only start after the SW monsoon subsides; caretaker services will remain on site until then,” said the company.
1486 containers were left on the ship when she sank on 2nd June. Russian captain has been arrested and released on bail pending an investigation into suspected offences under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act.
