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X-Press Pearl blackened and burning as cargo washes up on shoreX-Press Pearl blackened and burning as cargo washes up on shore

The latest images of the X-Press Pearl show the ship blackened and still burning, its containers buckled and twisted by fire.

Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent

May 27, 2021

1 Min Read
X Press Pearl fire2
Fire rages aboard X-Press PearlSri Lanka Air Force Media

Images captured by Sri Lanka Airforce and shared on Twitter show containers and their contents washing up on shore, bringing fears of environmental contamination.

Local reports said authorities conducted pollution tests in nearby waters. Authorities have also urged people not to collect any debris from the beach as it may pose a danger to human health; eight people have been arrested for collecting debris from the beach, according to reports.

Fire broke out on the vessel on May 20 and was said to be under control on May 21. The 25 crew were evacuated from the vessel on May 25 after reports of an explosion on board as the fire intensified. Two crew members were taken to hospital.

The fire continues to rage into its seventh day, according to local reports.

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About the Author

Gary Howard

Middle East correspondent

Gary Howard is the Middle East Correspondent for Seatrade Maritime News and has written for Seatrade Cruise, Seatrade Maritime Review and was News Editor at Lloyd’s List. Gary’s maritime career started after catching the shipping bug during a research assignment for the offshore industry. Working out of Seatrade's head office in the UK, he also produces and contributes to conference programmes for Seatrade events including CMA Shipping, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East and Marintec. 

Gary’s favourite topics within the maritime industry are decarbonisation and wind-assisted propulsion; he particularly enjoys reporting from industry events.

Conferences & Webinars

Gary Howard regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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