COLOMBO (News 1st): The distressed MV X-PRESS PEARL is likely to sink in the coming few hours, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) said on Thursday morning (May 27). “There is a possibility of an explosion recurring on the ship, as the fire continues to spread. The necessary arrangements have been made to face any such situation, with the required manpower and equipment on standby,” Dr. Turney Pradeep Kumara, the General Manager of Marine Environment Protection Authority told News 1st. According to Dr. Turney Pradeep Kumara, the residents in the coastal areas were already informed on the matter. “Relevant legal action will be instituted against the Captain of the vessel and the involved entities through the Attorney General, as per the provisions of the Marine Pollution Prevention Act of Sri Lanka,” Dr. Turney Pradeep Kumara, the General Manager of MEPA stressed.
