Indian Navy's ship carrying out underwater survey around MV Xpress Pearl
Jun 29, 2021
New Delhi [India], June 29 : Indian Navy's Hydrographic Survey ship INS Sarvekshak is carrying out an extensive underwater survey around MV Xpress Pearl which sank earlier this month.
A large number of submerged objects were detected during the survey which was being commenced at the request of the government of Sri Lanka, said officials.
"On Government of Sri Lanka request Indian Navy's Hydrographic Survey ship INS Sarvekshak is carrying out extensive underwater survey around MV Xpress Pearl which sank earlier this month. A large number of submerged objects detected," an Indian Navy spokesperson said.
The Navy further informed that the survey was being progressed in coordination with the National Aquatics Resource Research and Development Agency (NARA) and Hydrographic Office.
"Survey is being progressed with survey boats and integral helo for aerial recce in coordination with National Aquatics Resource Research and Development Agency (NARA) and Hydrographic Office, Sri Lanka Navy," Navy further said.
The X-Press Pearl reported an onboard acid leak and caught fire just as it was due to enter the Colombo harbour on May 20. The fire was put out only after 13 days.
The Marine Environment Protection Authority said that the burning of the X Press Pearl vessel had caused a massive environmental disaster as beaches from the south coast to the west coast had been damaged by debris washed ashore.
According to local media reports, the Sri Lankan government is set to claim a whopping 40 million US dollars in damages due to the X-Press Pearl fire incident.
