The fire that broke out in the forecastle area of the MV X-PRESS PEARL, a container ship anchored 9.5 nautical miles northwest of the Port of Colombo, has now extended to the quarterdeck where the bridge is stationed. Further, it is observed that the containers and various parts that are falling overboard the distressed ship wash ashore.

The fire that broke out in the forecastle area of the MV X-PRESS PEARL, a container ship anchored 9.5 nautical miles northwest of the Port of Colombo, is now spreading to the quarterdeck where the bridge is stationed. The fire was exacerbated by strong winds due to changing weather conditions. However, the crew of the ship and members of the emergency response team of the Salvor have been safely brought ashore as of now.

Sri Lanka Navy pre deployed 04 relief teams in several areas in the Southern Province today (23^rd May 2021) to extend relief measures to people, in the backdrop where flood risk is possible following the inclement weather.

During a foot patrol conducted in the beach area of Thandamanaru in Jaffna on 22^nd May 2021, the Navy was able to recover an abandoned stock of Kerala cannabis weighing about 131kg and 800g.

During a special operation conducted in Trincomalee on 21^st May 2021, the Navy managed to nab a suspect with about 1kg and 790g of Kerala cannabis.

Navy sprang into action to clear debris collected under Wakwella and Agaliya bridges over Gin Ganga on 21^st May 2021.

Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with and Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is working in full swing as of now (22^nd May 2021) to contain the fire onboard the MV ‘X-PRESS PEARL’ which confronted this unfortunate turn of event while at anchorage off Colombo harbour on 20^th May.

A special operation conducted by the Navy in Mannar on 20^th May 2021, made way to apprehend a suspect (01) with about 1kg and 450g of Kerala cannabis made ready to be sold.

Sri Lanka Navy responding immediately to a distress call of fire erupted onboard a container ship ‘X-PRESS PEARL’ in the afternoon of 20^th May 2021, promptly dispatched 02 Offshore Patrol Vessels, Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Sagara, Sindurala and a Fast Attack Craft to the scene of fire. Further 01 Tug from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA)is engaged in firefighting efforts as of now. The container ship was at anchorage about 9.5 nautical miles northwest of Colombo harbour as the incident was reported.

As a result of flood emergencies following the inclement weather, 02 more Navy relief teams were sent out to flood prone areas in the Gampaha district today (15^th May 2021) to rescue distressed communities and provide them with relief measures.