X-press Pearl haunts 2nd anniversary with new oil/chemical disaster?

Suspect spill due to not sealing the valves and pipes damaged during the salvage operation

• Environmental scientists have warned not to consume fish from the area until a proper scientific examination on the spill is conducted

By Prageeth Sampath

As Sri Lanka marks the second year of the X-Press Pearl inferno, fishermen and environmentalists have complained about alleged spilling of oil or any other chemical substances indicating the unending consequences of the worst ever maritime disaster in Sri Lankan waters. 

 Fishermen, who complained about a stinking black layer in the surrounding area where the ill-fated ship sank, lament that there are severe shortages of fish in the sea affecting their livelihood. They claimed that now they could catch only about 1 to 2 kgs of fish from the same area where they used to catch up to 50 kg of fish.
 Authorities suspect that the spill could be leaks from the valves and pipes that were cut during the salvage operation but hadn’t been properly sealed.