X-Press Feeders said the wreck of its feedership that was destroyed by a blaze off Colombo, Sri Lanka, remains stable.
The aft section of the 2,743-teu X-Press Pearl (built 2021) is resting on the seabed at a depth of 21 metres, while X-Press Feeders said the forward section has now “settled down”.
An attempt to tow the vessel further out to sea yesterday failed when the aft section grounded. The concern now is that the front section will also sink.
In a statement, the Singapore-based operator said there are “no signs of debris and no reports of oil pollution”.
“Salvors remain on scene to deal with any possible debris supported by the Sri Lankan Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, who have oil-spill response capabilities on standby,” X-Press Feeders said.
The X-Press Feeders' update suggests reports from yesterday that the vessel had fully sunk were wide of the mark.
Oil pollution prevention measures have been put in place and the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation is providing technical advice.
X-Press Feeders said the ship's cargo had been incinerated by the fire.
Sri Lankan officials said pellets and other hazardous waste had started to wash up on beaches, prompting fears of years of ecological damage.
Contractors are working with local authorities on shoreline clean-up efforts to safely dispose of any debris that washes up.
Fire was first reported in the cargo hold of the X-Press Pearl on 20 May while it was at the anchorage in Colombo. The fire spread to the deck the next day, followed by an explosion on 22 May. Smit Salvage was appointed to fight the fire and save the ship.
The vessel reportedly sank on 2 June.
The ship's protection and indemnity insurance is with the London P&I Club, and the owner has declared general average.
