(UTV | COLOMBO) – The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) had lodged a complaint with the Colombo Harbour Police in respect of the environmental pollution caused to the sea as a result of the fire on-board the X-Press Pearl.
Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the Harbour Police had subsequently initiated investigations and the facts had been reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. On the orders of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, samples have been sent to the Government Analyst for analysis and further investigations are being carried out by the Colombo Harbour Police.
He said that as the crew members, including the captain of the ship are under quarantine procedures, police have not been able to obtain statements from them. However, he said that the Harbour Police would be contacting the local agent for the X-Press Pearl and further action would be initiated accordingly.