Burnt-out Singapore containership off Sri Lanka at risk of sinking, says MPA

THE fire on board the Singapore-registered containership that was ablaze off Sri Lanka for nearly two weeks has been put out - but its stern is understood to be now submerged and the vessel, at risk of sinking, the Maritime Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore said on Wednesday.

Citing the latest update from the ship's operator, the MPA noted that the condition of the X-Press Pearl has deteriorated since the blaze started on May 20, and that the ship operator is working with the salvors to continue with the salvage operations.

All crew members have been safely evacuated from the ship, which had left the Indian port of Hazira carrying 1,486 containers, including chemicals.

MPA, in its first official statement on the incident, said: "As the flag State, MPA has been in constant communication with the Sri Lankan authorities, ship operator and classification society on efforts to stabilise the ship, put out the fire, and put in place measures to reduce the extent of environmental impact."

MPA added that it had earlier offered assistance to the Sri Lankan authorities, directed the ship operator to cooperate fully with those authorities and to follow measures to contain damage to the environment; it has also instructed the ship operator to carry on with its efforts to clean up the sea as much as possible.

MPA also said it understands that the Sri Lankan authorities are investigating the cause of the incident with the ship operator; MPA has, meanwhile, opened its own investigation.

Based on MPA's records, X-Press Pearl was delivered from the shipyard in February 2021 with the full set of applicable class and statutory certificates.

"Pursuant to the Merchant Shipping Act, MPA authorises recognised organisations to ensure the ship meets all applicable requirements, and MPA has a stringent criteria and oversight programme to do so," it said.