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'''''X-Press Pearl''''' adalah [[Kapal peti kemas|kapal kontainer]] kelas [[Super Eco 2700]] yang terdaftar [[Singapura|di Singapura]]. Kapal mulai beroperasi pada Februari 2021 dengan tingginya sekitar {{Convert|186|m|ft|0}}. <ref name="MarineTraffic">{{Cite web|title=X Press Pearl|url=https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:6450863/mmsi:563118200/imo:9875343/vessel:X_PRESS_PEARL|website=www.marinetraffic.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603233000/https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:6450863/mmsi:563118200/imo:9875343/vessel:X_PRESS_PEARL|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref> Kapal ini dioperasikan oleh [[Pengumpan X-Press|X-Press Feeders]] .
Pada 20 Mei 2021, ''X-Press Pearl'' terbakar di lepas pantai [[Kolombo]], [[Sri Lanka]] . <ref>{{Cite news|last=<!--none-->|date=31 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka faces environmental disaster as cargo ship burns for days – video|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2021/may/31/sri-lanka-environmental-disaster-cargo-ship-burns-for-days-video|work=[[The Guardian]]|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215456/https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2021/may/31/sri-lanka-environmental-disaster-cargo-ship-burns-for-days-video|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Kapal itu dilalap api pada tanggal 27 Mei dan dinyatakan [[Kerugian total|rugi total]] . Itu masih mengapung, dan api diperkirakan dapat dikendalikan oleh petugas pemadam kebakaran Sri Lanka pada larut malam tanggal 27 Mei 2021. <ref>{{Cite web|date=21 May 2021|title=Singapore flagged X-Press Pearl under watch off Sri Lanka after fire|url=https://economynext.com/singapore-flagged-x-press-pearl-under-watch-off-sri-lanka-after-fire-82240|website=EconomyNext|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521232708/https://economynext.com/singapore-flagged-x-press-pearl-under-watch-off-sri-lanka-after-fire-82240/|archive-date=21 May 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Setelah terbakar selama 12 hari, kapal tersebut tenggelam pada tanggal 2 Juni saat ditarik ke perairan yang lebih dalam. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Disaster feared as fire-hit cargo ship sinks off Sri Lanka coast|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/2/sri-lanka-disaster-feared-as-fire-hit-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602093423/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/2/sri-lanka-disaster-feared-as-fire-hit-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=2 June 2021|title=Chemical cargo ship sinks in one of Sri Lanka's worst-ever marine disasters|url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210602-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks-in-one-of-sri-lanka-s-worst-ever-marine-disasters|website=France 24|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602075747/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210602-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks-in-one-of-sri-lanka-s-worst-ever-marine-disasters|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Insiden tersebut dianggap sebagai bencana ekologi laut terburuk dalam sejarah Sri Lanka <ref>{{Cite web|title="Worst Marine Ecological Disaster": Sri Lanka On Cargo Ship Fire|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mv-x-press-pearl-fire-worst-marine-ecological-disaster-sri-lanka-on-fire-in-singapore-vessel-fire-2452140|website=NDTV.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530185123/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mv-x-press-pearl-fire-worst-marine-ecological-disaster-sri-lanka-on-fire-in-singapore-vessel-fire-2452140|archive-date=30 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=31 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka faces disaster as burning ship spills chemicals on beaches|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/31/sri-lanka-faces-disaster-burning-ship-spills-chemicals-beaches|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531125919/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/31/sri-lanka-faces-disaster-burning-ship-spills-chemicals-beaches|archive-date=31 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> karena produk kimia yang tumpah. <ref name="BBC03-06-2021">{{Cite news|date=3 June 2021|title=X-Press Pearl: Sri Lanka braces for environmental disaster from sunken ship|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57343139|language=en-GB|publisher=[[BBC News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603125206/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57343139|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=4 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Menurut X-Press Feeders, <ref>[https://www.x-presspearl-informationcentre.com ''X-Press Pearl Incident Information Centre,''] {{Webarchive}} X-Press Feeders.</ref> operasi penyelamatan untuk mengangkat bangkai kapal dimulai pada November 2021. Semua pekerjaan di lokasi diharapkan selesai pada April 2023. Pekerjaan penyelamatan terhenti selama musim barat daya dari akhir April hingga November 2022.
== Konstruksi dan sejarah operasional ==
''X-Press Pearl'' dibangun oleh Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard Co. Ltd di [[Zhoushan]], China untuk [[Pengumpan X-Press|X-Press Feeders]] yang berbasis di [[Singapura]], bersama dengan [[Kapal saudari|kapal sejenis]] ''X-Press Mekong'' . <ref>{{Cite web|title=Ship Details – IMO No.: 9875355|url=https://www.new-ships.com/Ship-5821796-XPressMekong.html|website=new-ships.com|publisher=New Ships Orderbook|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212845/https://www.new-ships.com/Ship-5821796-XPressMekong.html|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|title=Ship Details – IMO No.: 9875343|url=https://www.new-ships.com/Ship-5821808-XPressPearl.html|website=new-ships.com|publisher=New Ships Orderbook|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602054344/https://www.new-ships.com/Ship-5821808-XPressPearl.html|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kapal peti kemas]] [[Tonase bobot mati|berbobot mati 37.000 ton]] (DWT) dapat membawa 2.743 [[TEU|unit setara dua puluh kaki]] . Kapal diluncurkan pada 28 September 2020 dan dikirim pada 10 Februari 2021. <ref name="Miramar">{{Cite ship register}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|title=The X-PRESS PEARL (2,743 TEU) is delivered|url=https://www.germanlashing.de/news/the--x-press-pearl-2743-teu-is-delivered|website=germanlashing.de|publisher=German Lashing Robert Böck GmbH|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212849/https://www.germanlashing.de/news/the--x-press-pearl-2743-teu-is-delivered|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kapal itu dikerahkan di layanan Pengumpan X-Press Selat ke Timur Tengah (SMX), dari [[Pelabuhan Klang|Port Klang]] (Malaysia) melalui Singapura dan [[Jebel Ali]] (Dubai, UEA) ke [[Pelabuhan Hamad]] (Qatar). Pelayaran kembali ke Malaysia dilakukan melalui [[Hazira]] (India) dan [[Kolombo|Colombo]] (Sri Lanka). Kapal telah melakukan tiga pelayaran, berlabuh di Kolombo pada 17 Maret dan 18 April, dan terbakar tak lama setelah tiba untuk kunjungan ketiganya di pelabuhan pada 19 Mei. <ref name="XpressMepa">{{Cite news|date=31 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl salvors mull boarding as Sri Lanka eyes pollution claim|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/|work=EconomyNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603020131/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Peristiwa kebakaran ==
''X-Press Pearl'' membawa 1.486 kontainer, dengan isi termasuk 25 ton [[asam nitrat]] (yang dapat digunakan dalam pembuatan pupuk dan bahan peledak), bahan kimia lainnya, [[kosmetik]], dan pelet [[Polietilena berdensitas rendah|low-density polyethylene]] (LDPE), saat berangkat dari pelabuhan. Hazira pada 15 Mei 2021, tiba di Kolombo pada 19 Mei. <ref name="Reuters02-06-2021">{{Cite news|last=Pal|first=Alasdair|date=2 June 2021|title=Chemical cargo ship sinks off Sri Lanka, fouling rich fishing waters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/disaster-feared-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks-off-sri-lanka-2021-06-02/|work=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603005036/https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/disaster-feared-chemical-cargo-ship-sinks-off-sri-lanka-2021-06-02/|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021}}</ref> <ref name="CeylonToday29-05-2021">{{Cite news|last=Mohan|first=Sulochana Ramiah|date=29 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl operators, Captain, local agent under probe|url=https://ceylontoday.lk/news/x-press-pearl-operators-captain-local-agent-under-probe|work=Ceylon Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529040028/https://ceylontoday.lk/news/x-press-pearl-operators-captain-local-agent-under-probe|archive-date=29 May 2021|access-date=4 June 2021}}</ref> Pada tanggal 11 Mei, kru telah menemukan bahwa sebuah peti kemas yang dimuat di Jebel Ali mengalami kebocoran asam nitrat, dan telah meminta pelabuhan Hamad dan Hazira untuk mengizinkannya diturunkan, tetapi izin tidak diberikan. <ref>{{Cite news|title=Sri Lanka: Chemical-filled X-Press Pearl ship threatens marine life and beaches|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57327300|work=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603051718/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57327300|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Menurut X-Press Feeders, permintaan tersebut ditolak karena "tidak ada fasilitas khusus atau keahlian yang tersedia untuk mengatasi asam yang bocor", dan kapal melanjutkan perjalanan yang direncanakan ke Kolombo. <ref>{{Cite news|date=27 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl entered Hazira and Hamad ports before reaching Sri Lanka: owners|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-entered-hazira-and-hamad-ports-before-reaching-sri-lanka-owners-82487/|work=EconomyNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527123458/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-entered-hazira-and-hamad-ports-before-reaching-sri-lanka-owners-82487/|archive-date=27 May 2021|access-date=27 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kapal mencapai Kolombo pada malam tanggal 19 Mei dan berlabuh di pelabuhan luar menunggu tempat berlabuh. Kapal tidak mengumumkan keadaan darurat untuk kebocoran asam kargo. Pada tanggal 20 Mei agen kapal meminta pengerjaan ulang peti kemas. Harbour Master Nirmal de Silva mengatakan sebagai pusat maritim, Kolombo memiliki keahlian untuk membantu. Kapal kemudian mengeluarkan laporan pertama tentang kebakaran, yang telah dipadamkan oleh kru menggunakan sistem on-board. <ref name="EconomyNext28-05-2021">{{Cite news|date=28 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl fire origin is still a mystery, Sri Lanka official says|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-fire-orgin-is-still-a-mystery-sri-lanka-official-says-82527/|work=EconomyNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214752/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-fire-orgin-is-still-a-mystery-sri-lanka-official-says-82527/|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Dilaporkan bahwa kapal tersebut terbakar pada tanggal 20 Mei, {{Convert|9.5|nmi|lk=in}} barat laut Pelabuhan Kolombo. <ref>{{Cite web|date=21 May 2021|title=Container fire erupts onboard X-Press Feeders vessel in Colombo|url=https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/casualty/container-fire-erupts-onboard-x-press-feeders-vessel-colombo|website=Seatrade Maritime|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521231952/https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/casualty/container-fire-erupts-onboard-x-press-feeders-vessel-colombo|archive-date=21 May 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Angkatan Laut Sri Lanka]], bersama dengan Otoritas Pelabuhan Sri Lanka, yang menaiki kapal untuk mengetahui penyebab kebakaran, menduga bahwa kebakaran mungkin terjadi akibat reaksi bahan kimia yang diangkut di kapal. <ref>{{Cite web|date=21 May 2021|title=Firefighters in Sri Lanka battle container blaze on X-Press Pearl|url=https://theloadstar.com/firefighters-in-sri-lanka-battle-container-blaze-on-x-press-pearl/|website=The Loadstar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521180755/https://theloadstar.com/firefighters-in-sri-lanka-battle-container-blaze-on-x-press-pearl/|archive-date=21 May 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Saat terjadi kebakaran, kapal tersebut diawaki sebanyak 25 orang. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Navy assists dousing of fire in vessel carrying chemicals anchored off Colombo|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/05/21/local/249867/navy-assists-dousing-fire-vessel-carrying-chemicals-anchored-colombo|website=Daily News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521134955/http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/05/21/local/249867/navy-assists-dousing-fire-vessel-carrying-chemicals-anchored-colombo|archive-date=21 May 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Meskipun laporan awal mengaitkan insiden itu dengan kebocoran asam, Harbour Master De Silva mengatakan kebakaran telah terjadi di palka nomor 2 ''X-Press Pearl'' saat kontainer ditumpuk di geladak. Investigasi yang lebih lengkap diperlukan untuk menentukan penyebabnya, katanya. <ref name="EconomyNext28-05-20212">{{Cite news|date=28 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl fire origin is still a mystery, Sri Lanka official says|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-fire-orgin-is-still-a-mystery-sri-lanka-official-says-82527/|work=EconomyNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214752/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-fire-orgin-is-still-a-mystery-sri-lanka-official-says-82527/|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Pada tanggal 25 Mei, ledakan besar terjadi di dalam kapal dan 25 awak kapal dievakuasi. <ref>{{Cite web|date=25 May 2021|title=Explosion aboard MV X-PRESS PEARL; crew evacuated|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/25/explosion-aboard-mv-x-press-pearl-crew-evacuated/|website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525040753/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/25/explosion-aboard-mv-x-press-pearl-crew-evacuated/|archive-date=25 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|title=Explosion reported in 'X-Press Pearl' ship, crew members rescued|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/05/25/local/250116/explosion-reported-%E2%80%98x-press-pearl%E2%80%99-ship-crew-members-rescued|website=Daily News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525054202/http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/05/25/local/250116/explosion-reported-%E2%80%98x-press-pearl%E2%80%99-ship-crew-members-rescued|archive-date=25 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Dua anggota awak India yang menderita luka-luka selama ledakan itu dirawat di [[Rumah Sakit Nasional Sri Lanka]] Kolombo. <ref>{{Cite web|date=25 May 2021|title=X-PRESS PEARL: 02 Indian crew members admitted to Hospital|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/25/x-press-pearl-02-indian-crew-members-admitted-to-hospital/|website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525060325/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/25/x-press-pearl-02-indian-crew-members-admitted-to-hospital/|archive-date=25 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=25 May 2021|title=Crew evacuated after explosion on container ship off Colombo|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2021/5/25/crew-evacuated-after-explosion-on-container-ship-off-colombo|publisher=Al Jazeera Media Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526054703/https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2021/5/25/crew-evacuated-after-explosion-on-container-ship-off-colombo|archive-date=26 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Api terus berkobar selama tanggal 25 Mei, dan pada sore hari kontainer-kontainer sudah diturunkan dari kapal ke laut. Otoritas Perlindungan Lingkungan Maritim Sri Lanka (MEPA) mengumumkan peristiwa tumpahan minyak Tier II dari bunker di atas kapal saat kobaran api semakin parah. <ref>{{Cite news|last=Hamza|first=Mahadiya|date=25 March 2021|title=Blazing X-press Pearl off Sri Lanka triggers Tier II oil spill warning|url=https://economynext.com/blazing-x-press-pearl-off-sri-lanka-triggers-tier-ii-oil-spill-warning-82380/|publisher=EconomNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525185013/https://economynext.com/blazing-x-press-pearl-off-sri-lanka-triggers-tier-ii-oil-spill-warning-82380/|archive-date=25 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> India mengirim kapal pemadam kebakaran dan pengontrol polusi [[Penjaga Pantai India|Penjaga Pantai]], [[kapal tunda]], dan pesawat pengintai maritim Dornier untuk membantu tindakan penahanan, dan para nelayan diminta menjauhi kapal. <ref>{{Cite news|date=25 May 2021|title=India sends ships, aircraft to help Sri Lanka control oil spill, X-press Pearl blaze|url=https://economynext.com/india-sends-ships-aircraft-to-help-sri-lanka-control-oil-spill-x-press-pearl-blaze-82409/|publisher=EconomyNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525185016/https://economynext.com/india-sends-ships-aircraft-to-help-sri-lanka-control-oil-spill-x-press-pearl-blaze-82409/|archive-date=25 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news|date=25 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka fishermen warned off X-Pres Pearl fire zone amid oil spill fears: Minister|url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-fishermen-warned-off-x-pres-pearl-fire-zone-amid-oil-spill-fears-minister-82390/|publisher=EconomyNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525113006/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-fishermen-warned-off-x-pres-pearl-fire-zone-amid-oil-spill-fears-minister-82390/|archive-date=25 May 2021|access-date=25 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Ketua MEPA Dharshani Lahandapura mengatakan pada 26 Mei bahwa 378 ton minyak berada di atas kapal dan sekitar setengahnya dapat bocor ke laut setelah kebakaran berakhir. Cuaca buruk mencegah penempatan [[Boom (penahanan)|boom]] penampung minyak di sekitar kapal, tetapi pihak berwenang siap membersihkan minyak yang mencapai pantai. <ref>{{Cite news|date=26 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka prepares for oil spill as burning X-Press Pearl spews cargo and charred debris|url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-prepares-for-oil-spill-as-burning-x-press-pearl-spews-cargo-and-charred-debris-82444/|publisher=EconomyNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526125459/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-prepares-for-oil-spill-as-burning-x-press-pearl-spews-cargo-and-charred-debris-82444/|archive-date=26 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pada pagi hari, puing-puing yang terbakar dan beberapa kargo yang jatuh terdampar di pantai Negombo Sri Lanka. <ref>{{Cite news|date=26 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka's Western coast contaminated with debris from burning ship|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/26/sri-lankas-western-coast-contaminated-with-debris-from-burning-ship/|publisher=Newsfirst.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526094334/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/26/sri-lankas-western-coast-contaminated-with-debris-from-burning-ship/|archive-date=26 May 2021|access-date=26 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pada tanggal 29 Mei, ''X-Press Pearl'' masih membara dan mengeluarkan asap, meskipun api sudah padam. Keutuhan lambung masih utuh. Kapal tunda pemadam kebakaran terus menuangkan air ke kapal. Angkatan Udara Sri Lanka menjatuhkan bubuk kimia kering. Kapal [[Penjaga Pantai India]] ICG ''[[Kapal Pengendali Pencemaran Kelas Samudra|Samudra Prahari]]'', sebuah kapal pengendali polusi, bergabung dengan gugus tugas tersebut. <ref>{{Cite news|date=29 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl still smouldering off Sri Lanka, fire fighting continues|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-still-smouldering-off-sri-lanka-fire-fighting-continues-82552/|publisher=EconomyNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529173143/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-still-smouldering-off-sri-lanka-fire-fighting-continues-82552/|archive-date=29 May 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pada pagi hari tanggal 30 Mei, sebagian besar api sudah padam dan air masih disemprotkan. X-Press Feeders mengatakan [[Penyelamat|para penyelamat]] sedang melihat menaiki kapal untuk mengatur koneksi derek. <ref name="XpressMepa2">{{Cite news|date=31 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl salvors mull boarding as Sri Lanka eyes pollution claim|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/|work=EconomyNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603020131/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Salvors naik ke kapal pada 1 Juni untuk pemeriksaan pertama. <ref>{{Cite news|date=1 June 2021|title=Salvors board X-Press Pearl off Sri Lanka after putting out fire|url=https://economynext.com/salvors-board-x-press-pearl-off-sri-lanka-after-putting-out-fire-82594/|publisher=EconomyNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215223/https://economynext.com/salvors-board-x-press-pearl-off-sri-lanka-after-putting-out-fire-82594/|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=1 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Penyelamat menemukan ruang mesin kebanjiran dan asap masih keluar dari ruang kargo 1, 2 dan 3 sesekali. <ref>{{Cite news|date=2 June 2021|title=X-Press Pear sinking off Sri Lanka while being towed|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pear-sinking-off-sri-lanka-while-being-towed-82614/|publisher=EconomyNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602061455/https://economynext.com/x-press-pear-sinking-off-sri-lanka-while-being-towed-82614/|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Upaya penyelamatan ==
Pada 21 Mei 2021, Angkatan Laut Sri Lanka mengerahkan dua [[Kapal patroli|kapal patroli lepas pantai]], kapal angkatan laut seperti {{Ship|SLNS|Sagara||2}} dan {{Ship|SLNS|Sindurala||2}} bersama dengan sebuah pesawat dalam operasi penyelamatan pemadam kebakaran yang berjalan lancar meskipun kondisi cuaca buruk di sekitar area tersebut. <ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2021|title='X-PRESS PEARL' fire continues; SLN & SLPA engaged in containment efforts|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/22/x-press-pearl-fire-continues-sln-slpa-engaged-in-containment-efforts/|website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522083833/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/22/x-press-pearl-fire-continues-sln-slpa-engaged-in-containment-efforts/|archive-date=22 May 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Terungkap bahwa api telah berhasil dikendalikan pada tanggal 21 Mei dan upaya pendinginan terus dilakukan untuk mencegah agar api tidak berkobar. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Fire aboard MV X-Press Pearl contained, cooling efforts continue {{!}} Daily FT|url=http://www.ft.lk/front-page/Fire-aboard-MV-X-Press-Pearl--contained--cooling-efforts-continue/44-718276|website=www.ft.lk|language=English|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522133323/http://www.ft.lk/front-page/Fire-aboard-MV-X-Press-Pearl--contained--cooling-efforts-continue/44-718276|archive-date=22 May 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|title='MV X-Press Pearl' container ship fire, controlled|url=https://www.hirunews.lk/english/272015/mv-x-press-pearl-container-ship-fire-controlled|website=Hiru News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522133324/https://www.hirunews.lk/english/272015/mv-x-press-pearl-container-ship-fire-controlled|archive-date=22 May 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pada 22 Mei, [[Angkatan Udara Sri Lanka]] mengerahkan helikopter [[Bell 212]] dalam operasi penyelamatan. <ref>{{Cite web|title=X-PRESS PEARL: Air Force join efforts to douse the fire (Photos)|url=https://www.hirunews.lk/english/272064/x-press-pearl-air-force-join-efforts-to-douse-the-fire-photos|website=Hiru News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521235119/https://www.hirunews.lk/english/272064/x-press-pearl-air-force-join-efforts-to-douse-the-fire-photos|archive-date=21 May 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=22 May 2021|title=(PICTURES) Sri Lanka Air Force deploys Bell 212 to assist to douse fire aboard 'X-Press Pearl'|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/22/pictures-sri-lanka-air-force-deploys-bell-212-to-assist-to-douse-fire-aboard-x-press-pearl/|website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522075229/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/22/pictures-sri-lanka-air-force-deploys-bell-212-to-assist-to-douse-fire-aboard-x-press-pearl/|archive-date=22 May 2021|access-date=22 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Dari 25 kru yang dievakuasi, dua berada di rumah sakit. <ref>{{Cite news|date=26 May 2021|title=Indian crew member rescued from blazing ship tests positive for COVID-19|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/26/indian-crew-member-rescued-from-blazing-ship-tests-positive-for-covid-19/|publisher=Newsfirst.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526115350/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/05/26/indian-crew-member-rescued-from-blazing-ship-tests-positive-for-covid-19/|archive-date=26 May 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pada tanggal 25 Mei, India mengirimkan ICG ''Vaibhav'', ICG ''Dornier'', dan Tug ''Water Lilly'' untuk membantu Angkatan Laut Sri Lanka memadamkan api. Kapal penanggulangan polusi khusus India ''Samudra Prahari'' tiba pada 29 Mei. India menamai upaya penyelamatan itu Operasi Sagar Araksha 2. <ref>{{Cite web|date=4 June 2021|title=Sri Lankan authorities using all resources to stop oil spill from gutted cargo ship|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/sri-lankan-authorities-using-all-resources-to-stop-oil-spill-from-gutted-cargo-ship-officials/article34725922.ece|publisher=PTI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604192703/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/sri-lankan-authorities-using-all-resources-to-stop-oil-spill-from-gutted-cargo-ship-officials/article34725922.ece|archive-date=4 June 2021|access-date=4 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Pada 2 Juni 2021, X-Press Feeders mengeluarkan pernyataan yang mengatakan perusahaan "menyesal untuk melaporkan bahwa meskipun penyelamat berhasil naik ke kapal dan memasang kabel derek, upaya untuk memindahkan kapal ke perairan yang lebih dalam telah gagal". <ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka Faces An Environmental Disaster As A Ship Full Of Chemicals Starts Sinking|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|website=NPR.org|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603065417/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-03|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kapal tetap berada di {{Convert|21|m|ft}} air yang dalam. Sebagian besar terendam, dan lokasinya terus dipantau oleh kapal khusus. <ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2022|title=Oil, acid, plastic: Inside the shipping disaster gripping Sri Lanka|url=https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/oil-acid-plastic-inside-shipping-disaster-gripping-sri-lanka|publisher=UN Environment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201171555/https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/oil-acid-plastic-inside-shipping-disaster-gripping-sri-lanka|archive-date=1 February 2022|access-date=1 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Dampak terhadap lingkungan ==
Otoritas Perlindungan Lingkungan Laut Sri Lanka (MEPA) mengatakan sedang menilai kerusakan lingkungan dan mengumpulkan bukti. Rencana dibuat untuk mengajukan klaim sementara. <ref>{{Cite news|date=28 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl fire: MEPA to seek compensation|url=https://www.newsradio.lk/local/mepa-to-seek-compensation-from-x-press-pearl-operators/|publisher=Newsradio.lk|issue=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603165709/https://www.newsradio.lk/local/mepa-to-seek-compensation-from-x-press-pearl-operators/|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=28 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Polusi pelet resin plastik]] dari muatan yang tumpah terdampar di pantai Sri Lanka mulai 27 Mei. Pelet [[Polietilena berdensitas rendah|LDPE]] juga telah dicuci ke tanah terdekat. <ref name="DailyFT03-06-2021">{{Cite web|title=Authorities scramble to clear debris from troubled MV X-Press Pearl {{!}} Daily FT|url=https://www.ft.lk/news/Authorities-scramble-to-clear-debris-from-troubled-MV-X-Press-Pearl/56-718472|website=Ft.lk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603152336/https://www.ft.lk/news/Authorities-scramble-to-clear-debris-from-troubled-MV-X-Press-Pearl/56-718472|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-03|url-status=live}}</ref> Menurut MEPA, ada tiga kontainer pelet plastik di atas kapal, masing-masing seberat {{Convert|26000|kg}} . <ref>{{Cite news|date=28 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka battles waves of plastic waste from burning ship|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/plastics-burning-ship-cover-sri-063235862.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAM4Gh5tCyEKjDcaQGmA_8tb-u_5knbozRamuIc6PRA8EBcnJ-a2LgP_GjynNZT0K_Sie7Ip77Oi67j8vkGdI8_SuUgjnrjvOWSECDGxfljsm2-2x08jCJhn8Vu1iTbBWAsmJhL0jIEW_sLqyHPA37hr8ngk0vMy-RhnOmV0tUVo9|publisher=Yahoo.com|agency=AFP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603165748/https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=2_cc-session_9f30b45c-5b2a-4ca5-acf9-b42d30dde84f|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=28 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news|date=2 June 2021|title=Sri Lanka braces for 'almost inevitable' oil spill as ship sinks|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/6/3/sri-lanka-braces-for-almost-inevitable-oil-spill-as-ship-sinks|publisher=Al Jazeera|agency=Al Jazeera|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605194906/https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2021/6/3/sri-lanka-braces-for-almost-inevitable-oil-spill-as-ship-sinks|archive-date=5 June 2021|access-date=5 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Laurel Wamsley dari [[National Public Radio|NPR]] menggambarkan insiden tersebut sebagai [[bencana lingkungan]] pada Juni 2021. <ref name=":02">{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka Faces An Environmental Disaster As A Ship Full Of Chemicals Starts Sinking|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|website=NPR.org|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603065417/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-03|url-status=live}}</ref>
Pakar kesehatan dan MEPA juga memperingatkan bahwa ada kemungkinan [[hujan asam]] ringan di Sri Lanka akibat emisi [[nitrogen dioksida]] . <ref>{{Cite news|date=29 May 2021|others=PTI|title=Burning cargo vessel could result in slight acid rains in Sri Lanka: Authorities|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/burning-cargo-vessel-could-result-in-slight-acid-rains-in-sri-lanka-authorities/article34673960.ece|work=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529080756/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/burning-cargo-vessel-could-result-in-slight-acid-rains-in-sri-lanka-authorities/article34673960.ece|archive-date=29 May 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pihak berwenang Sri Lanka melarang penangkapan ikan pesisir dari [[Kalutara]] hingga [[Negombo]], karena kekhawatiran akan kontaminasi. Sekitar 5.600 kapal satu hari tidak dapat berlayar dan pemerintah menjanjikan kompensasi. <ref>{{Cite news|date=28 May 2021|title=Si Lanka halts coastal fishing over X-Press Pearl pollution hitting 5,600 boats|url=https://economynext.com/si-lanka-halts-coastal-fishing-over-x-press-pearl-pollution-hitting-5600-boats-82536/|publisher=EconomyNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213127/https://economynext.com/si-lanka-halts-coastal-fishing-over-x-press-pearl-pollution-hitting-5600-boats-82536/|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=29 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Masyarakat juga diimbau oleh MEPA untuk tidak menyentuh puing-puing dari kapal kontainer yang terkontaminasi zat beracun. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Do not touch 'toxic' debris from 'X-Press Pearl' – MEPA|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/74126/do-not-touch-toxic-debris-from-x-press-pearl-mepa|website=www.adaderana.lk|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215433/http://www.adaderana.lk/news/74126/do-not-touch-toxic-debris-from-x-press-pearl-mepa|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka: Central Environmental Authority issues guidelines for removal of debris from MV X-Press Pearl|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/May31_1622443298CH.php|website=www.colombopage.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531110559/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/May31_1622443298CH.php|archive-date=31 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Laporan polisi dibuat untuk menyelidiki kelalaian. Itu juga membentuk panel ahli untuk menilai kerusakan lingkungan jangka panjang. Ikan dan kura-kura yang mati terus terdampar di pantai Sri Lanka dan diperiksa untuk menentukan apakah kematian mereka disebabkan oleh tumpahan tersebut. <ref name="XpressMepa3">{{Cite news|date=31 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl salvors mull boarding as Sri Lanka eyes pollution claim|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/|work=EconomyNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603020131/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Dari 1.486 kontainer, 81 di antaranya dianggap sebagai kontainer beracun berbahaya termasuk lima ton asam nitrat. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka Faces An Environmental Disaster As A Ship Full Of Chemicals Starts Sinking|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|website=NPR.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603065417/https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002484499/sri-lanka-faces-environmental-disaster-as-ship-full-of-chemicals-starts-sinking|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Pada Juni 2021, dilaporkan kapal kontainer telah tenggelam, yang akan memicu dampak buruk bagi spesies laut. <ref>{{Cite news|date=2 June 2021|title=Fears of environmental disaster as oil-laden ship sinks off Sri Lanka|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57327300|work=BBC News|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602074608/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57327300|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pada tanggal 2 Juni, penyelamat membuat garis penarik ''X-Press Pearl'' menjauh dari pantai ketika buritan mencapai dasar, memaksa mereka untuk membatalkan operasi. Kapten Angkatan Laut Sri Lanka Indika de Silva mengatakan tidak jelas apakah ada minyak bunker yang tidak terbakar yang tersisa di kapal, tetapi pihak berwenang mengawasi tumpahan minyak. <ref>{{Cite news|date=2 June 2021|title=X-Press Pearl stern hits bottom aborting tow, Sri Lanka renews oil spill watch|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-stern-hits-bottom-aborting-tow-sri-lanka-renews-oil-spill-watch-82625/|publisher=EconomyNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214746/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-stern-hits-bottom-aborting-tow-sri-lanka-renews-oil-spill-watch-82625/|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Sri Lanka memerintahkan penyelamat untuk memindahkan minyak bunker, jika ada yang selamat dari kobaran api, dan mengambil tindakan penahanan. X-Press Feeders mengatakan telah menyewa [[Respons Tumpahan Minyak Terbatas|Oil Spill Response Limited]] untuk mendukung upaya tersebut. Operator telah menggunakan SMIT Salvage ketika krisis pertama kali dimulai. Pada tanggal 3 Juni, kapal tersebut masih mengapung sebagian, dengan bagian buritan berada di dasar {{Convert|21|m}} di bawah. <ref>{{Cite news|date=3 June 2021|title=Sri Lanka directs X-Press Pearl salvors to take oil out of gutted ship – if any remains|url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-directs-x-press-pearl-salvors-to-take-oil-out-of-gutted-ship-if-any-remains-82652/|publisher=EconomyNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603151227/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-directs-x-press-pearl-salvors-to-take-oil-out-of-gutted-ship-if-any-remains-82652/|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news|date=3 June 2021|title=MEPA ready to face any oil spill from X-PRESS PEARL|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/03/mepa-ready-to-face-any-oil-spill-from-x-press-pearl/|publisher=Newsfirst.lk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603071953/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/03/mepa-ready-to-face-any-oil-spill-from-x-press-pearl/|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kepala Eksekutif Pengumpan X-Press Shmuel Yoskovitz meminta maaf kepada masyarakat Sri Lanka atas insiden tersebut. "Saya ingin mengungkapkan penyesalan dan permintaan maaf saya yang mendalam kepada orang-orang Sri Lanka atas kerugian yang ditimbulkan insiden ini terhadap mata pencaharian dan lingkungan Sri Lanka," katanya seperti dikutip dalam wawancara dengan [[CNA (saluran berita)|Channel News Asia]] Singapura. <ref>{{Cite news|date=3 June 2021|title=CEO of vessel operator apologises for impact of sunken container ship off Sri Lanka coast|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/sri-lanka-container-ship-x-press-pearl-operator-ceo-apologises-14941088|publisher=channelnewsasia.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604000557/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/sri-lanka-container-ship-x-press-pearl-operator-ceo-apologises-14941088|archive-date=4 June 2021|access-date=4 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pihak berwenang di Sri Lanka terus mengumpulkan puing-puing dan pelet plastik dalam apa yang digambarkan sebagai [[Polusi pelet resin plastik|perburuan]] terbesar di negara itu. Sekitar 34 kontainer telah diisi dengan puing-puing dari ''X-Press Pearl'' termasuk perawat. <ref>{{Cite news|date=4 June 2021|title=Sri Lanka in biggest ever nurdle hunt after X-Press Pearl spill, volunteer hunters arrested|url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-in-biggest-ever-nurdle-hunt-after-x-press-pearl-spill-volunteer-hunters-arrested-82662/|publisher=EconomyNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604054631/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-in-biggest-ever-nurdle-hunt-after-x-press-pearl-spill-volunteer-hunters-arrested-82662/|archive-date=4 June 2021|access-date=4 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pihak berwenang telah mengumpulkan 1.075 ton puing, termasuk pasir, yang disimpan dalam kontainer hingga 8 Juni. <ref>{{Cite news|date=9 June 2021|title=Sri Lanka scrapes 1,075 tonnes of X-Press Pearl waste off shores|url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-scrapes-1075-tonnes-of-x-press-pearl-waste-off-shores-82786/|publisher=EconomynNext|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610013754/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-scrapes-1075-tonnes-of-x-press-pearl-waste-off-shores-82786/|archive-date=10 June 2021|access-date=10 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
Hingga 15 Juni 2021, sekitar 40 penyu mati dilaporkan terdampar di pantai. <ref>{{Cite news|date=8 June 2021|title=X-Press Pearl: Sri Lanka forms expert groups for environmental, economic costs|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/07/dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sl-shores-authorities-plan-to-seek-maximum-compensation/|publisher=EconomyNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610013756/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/07/dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sl-shores-authorities-plan-to-seek-maximum-compensation/|archive-date=10 June 2021|access-date=10 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news|date=7 June 2021|title=Dead sea turtles continue to wash up on SL shores; Authorities plan to seek maximum compensation|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/07/dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sl-shores-authorities-plan-to-seek-maximum-compensation/|publisher=Newsfirst.lk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610013756/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/07/dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sl-shores-authorities-plan-to-seek-maximum-compensation/|archive-date=10 June 2021|access-date=10 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Selain kura-kura, banyak spesies ikan, paus, dan setidaknya enam lumba-lumba juga terdampar dengan banyak bekas luka bakar; spesies air juga sangat terpengaruh oleh penyebaran pelet plastik. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Dead Sea Turtles Continue To Wash Up On Sri Lankan Shores|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/15/pictures-dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sri-lankan-shores/|website=newsfirst|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615102932/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/15/pictures-dead-sea-turtles-continue-to-wash-up-on-sri-lankan-shores/|archive-date=15 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-14|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|title=Dead whales, turtles & dolphins wash up on SL shores; Activists warn numbers could rise|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/15/dead-whales-turtles-activists-warn-numbers-could-rise/|website=newsfirst|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615182110/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/15/dead-whales-turtles-activists-warn-numbers-could-rise/|archive-date=15 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-14|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-29|title=Nurdles: the worst toxic waste you've probably never heard of|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/29/nurdles-plastic-pellets-environmental-ocean-spills-toxic-waste-not-classified-hazardous|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130192301/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/29/nurdles-plastic-pellets-environmental-ocean-spills-toxic-waste-not-classified-hazardous|archive-date=30 November 2021|access-date=2021-11-30|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Investigasi ==
Investigasi atas kebakaran di atas kapal kontainer dimulai pada 30 Mei. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka launches probe after burning ship pollutes beaches|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/30/sri-lanka-launches-probe-after-burning-ship-pollutes-beaches|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531003859/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/30/sri-lanka-launches-probe-after-burning-ship-pollutes-beaches|archive-date=31 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> [[CD Wickramaratne]], [[Inspektur Jenderal Polisi (Sri Lanka)|Inspektur Jenderal Polisi]], menginstruksikan polisi untuk menyerahkan penyelidikan ke [[Departemen Investigasi Kriminal (Sri Lanka)|Departemen Investigasi Kriminal]] Sri Lanka, <ref>{{Cite web|last=bugsbunny|date=31 May 2021|title=Criminal investigation underway over fire on X-Press Pearl|url=https://colombogazette.com/2021/05/31/criminal-investigation-underway-over-fire-on-x-press-pearl/|website=Colombo Gazette|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531042632/https://colombogazette.com/2021/05/31/criminal-investigation-underway-over-fire-on-x-press-pearl/|archive-date=31 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> dengan pihak berwenang memperingatkan kemungkinan tindakan hukum terhadap X-Press Feeders, pemilik kapal. <ref>{{Cite web|last=Palenda|first=Slawomir|date=31 May 2021|title=Sri Lanka readies to sue owners of the fire-struck X-Press Pearl|url=https://splash247.com/sri-lanka-readies-to-sue-owners-of-the-fire-struck-x-press-pearl/|website=Splash247|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531064520/https://splash247.com/sri-lanka-readies-to-sue-owners-of-the-fire-struck-x-press-pearl/|archive-date=31 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pada tanggal 31 Mei, seorang juru bicara polisi mengungkapkan bahwa tim khusus polisi beranggotakan sepuluh orang telah mulai merekam pernyataan dari kapten dan kepala teknisi ''X-Press Pearl'' . <ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka : Sri Lanka CID to record statements from captain and chief engineer of MV X-Press Pearl today|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/May31_1622438786CH.php|website=www.colombopage.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531061928/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/May31_1622438786CH.php|archive-date=31 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|date=31 May 2021|title=X-Press Pearl salvors mull boarding as Sri Lanka eyes pollution claim|url=https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567|website=EconomyNext|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603020131/https://economynext.com/x-press-pearl-salvors-mull-boarding-as-sri-lanka-eyes-pollution-claim-82567/|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Polisi Sri Lanka menanyai kepala petugas X-Press Pearl selama dua hari tentang rencana penyimpanan peti kemas kapal. Kapal itu membawa beberapa kelas [[Kode Barang Berbahaya Maritim Internasional|barang berbahaya]] termasuk [[natrium hidroksida]] (soda kaustik) di palka serta setidaknya satu wadah asam nitrat yang bocor di geladak. [[Perekam data perjalanan|Perekam data pelayaran]] (VDR) atau kotak hitam, juga ditemukan. <ref>{{Cite news|date=6 June 2021|title=Sri Lanka recovers X-Press Pearl black box, chief officer questioned on stowage plan|url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-recovers-x-press-pearl-black-box-chief-officer-questioned-on-stowage-plan-82711/|publisher=EconomyNext.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606142823/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-recovers-x-press-pearl-black-box-chief-officer-questioned-on-stowage-plan-82711/|archive-date=6 June 2021|access-date=6 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news|date=6 June 2021|title=Black box recovered from fire-stricken ship sinking off Sri Lanka|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/6/data-recovered-as-ship-with-chemicals-sinking-off-sri-lanka|publisher=aljazeera.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606074900/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/6/data-recovered-as-ship-with-chemicals-sinking-off-sri-lanka|archive-date=6 June 2021|access-date=6 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Pada 16 Juni 2021, ketua biro pelayaran setempat, Arjuna Hettiarachchi mewakili kapal ''X-Press Pearl'' yang ditetapkan sebagai tersangka utama atas insiden tersebut diberikan jaminan oleh Pengadilan Tinggi Kolombo. <ref>{{Cite web|title=MV X-Press Pearl local agent granted bail by High Court {{!}} Daily FT|url=https://www.ft.lk/news/MV-X-Press-Pearl-local-agent-granted-bail-by-High-Court/56-719311|website=www.ft.lk|language=English|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617025407/https://www.ft.lk/news/MV-X-Press-Pearl-local-agent-granted-bail-by-High-Court/56-719311|archive-date=17 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-17|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Chairman of X-Press Pearl's local agency granted bail|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/74700/chairman-of-x-press-pearls-local-agency-granted-bail|website=www.adaderana.lk|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616100138/http://www.adaderana.lk/news/74700/chairman-of-x-press-pearls-local-agency-granted-bail|archive-date=16 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-17|url-status=live}}</ref>
Pada tanggal 31 Oktober, OpenFacto, French Collective untuk penelitian sumber terbuka, menerbitkan penyelidikan <ref>{{Cite web|last=OpenFacto|title=Pourquoi la Prolifération est mauvaise pour les tortues {{!}} OpenFacto|url=https://openfacto.fr/2021/10/31/pourquoi-la-proliferation-est-mauvaise-pour-les-tortues/|language=fr-FR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031215833/https://openfacto.fr/2021/10/31/pourquoi-la-proliferation-est-mauvaise-pour-les-tortues/|archive-date=31 October 2021|access-date=2021-10-31|url-status=live}}</ref> yang melacak wadah asam nitrat ke Iran di mana ia diduga dijual oleh perusahaan pialang bernama ChemiPakhsh Paykan dan diproduksi <ref>{{Cite web|title=Nitric Acid Cargo on X-Press Pearl Came from Iran|url=https://ceylontoday.lk/news/nitric-acid-cargo-on-x-press-pearl-came-from-iran|website=CeylonToday|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031215832/https://ceylontoday.lk/news/nitric-acid-cargo-on-x-press-pearl-came-from-iran|archive-date=31 October 2021|access-date=2021-10-31|url-status=dead}}</ref> oleh Esfahan Chemical Industries, sebuah sanksi <ref>{{Cite web|last=Canada|first=Global Affairs|date=2015-10-19|title=Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List|url=https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/sanctions/consolidated-consolide.aspx?lang=eng|website=GAC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517222157/https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/sanctions/consolidated-consolide.aspx?lang=eng|archive-date=17 May 2021|access-date=2021-10-31|url-status=live}}</ref> berafiliasi dengan [[Kementerian Pertahanan dan Logistik Angkatan Bersenjata (Iran)|Kementerian Pertahanan Iran]] .
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