In photos: ecological disaster on Sri Lankan beaches caused by the fire of a cargo ship

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The fire on the X-Press Pearl ship has been out of control for a week, high winds complicating tasks and authorities fear a new ecological disaster on the beaches of Sri Lanka.

In addition to the local Navy and Indian Coast Guard, private boats have joined in an attempt to deal with the disaster. A military helicopter was deployed to drop bags of fire retardant chemicals on the ship.

Sri Lankan navy soldiers work to remove stranded debris from Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl, which burns for eighth consecutive day at sea off the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan navy soldiers work to remove stranded debris from Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl, which burns for eighth consecutive day at sea off the port of Colombo in Sri LankaLAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI – AFP

“The fire covers the entire length of the ship. The hull may not be stable so that we can tow the ship away from our waters, ”MEPA president Dharshani Lahandapura told AFP.

Authorities are investigating some reports after the crew reported nitric acid leaks before entering Sri Lankan waters. “If the problem had been resolved then, we would not have to face this crisis,” they said.

Researchers have minimized the risk of the acid because it is neutralized by seawater. But Lahandapura said a large amount of oil could reach the tourist and fishing region of Negombo, 40 kilometers north of the capital.

On Tuesday, an explosion occurred on the ship anchored off the Sri Lankan capital, which has been burning for several days, causing the evacuation of all members of the crew.
On Tuesday, an explosion occurred on the ship anchored off the Sri Lankan capital, which has been burning for several days, causing the evacuation of all members of the crew.Sri Lanka Air Force – AP

The army would be deployed to clean up Negombo beach if necessary, the official added. “Given the very rough seas and strong monsoon winds, it is not possible to place barriers around the vessel to contain a spill. Our best option is to clean the beach and we believe any cleanup will take a few weeks, if not months. “

Man next to burnt out container stranded ashore of Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl
Man next to burnt out container stranded ashore of Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press PearlISHARA S. KODIKARA – AFP
Some people try to save objects among the burnt remains that reach the coast of Sri Lanka
Some people try to save objects among the burnt remains that reach the coast of Sri LankaEranga Jayawardena – AP
Sri Lankan navy soldiers dressed in protective suits try to escape a wave of debris thrown into the sea by the burning of the Singaporean ship, the MV X-Press Pearl
Sri Lankan navy soldiers dressed in protective suits try to escape a wave of debris thrown into the sea by the burning of the Singaporean ship, the MV X-Press Pearl.Eranga Jayawardena – AP
Sri Lankan navy members attempt to clean up polluted beaches
Sri Lankan navy members attempt to clean up polluted beachesEranga Jayawardena – AP
Authorities have downplayed the risk of the acid, as it is neutralized by seawater. But Lahandapura said a large amount of the oil could reach the tourist and fishing region of Negombo, 40 kilometers north of the Sri Lankan capital.
Authorities have downplayed the risk of the acid, as it is neutralized by seawater. But Lahandapura said a large amount of the oil could reach the tourist and fishing region of Negombo, 40 kilometers north of the Sri Lankan capital.Eranga Jayawardena – AP
Some people try to save valuables from the wreckage reaching the shores
Some people try to save valuables from the wreckage that reaches the shoresEranga Jayawardena – AP
Sri Lankan navy soldiers dressed in protective suits chat while clearing stranded debris on Singapore's MV X-Press Pearl
Sri Lankan navy soldiers dressed in protective suits chat while clearing stranded debris on Singapore’s MV X-Press PearlEranga Jayawardena – AP
In this photo provided by the Sri Lankan Air Force, smoke rises from the MV X-Press Pearl container ship off the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
In this photo provided by the Sri Lankan Air Force, smoke rises from the MV X-Press Pearl container ship off the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka Air Force – AP

Photos: AFP and AP

Photo montage: Enrique Villegas

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