A warning has been issued for light acid rain as large amounts of nitrogen dioxide are being emitted from a ship that caught fire off the coast of Colombo last week. The warning came from Sri Lanka’s leading environmental group. The organization has also advised the people to be vigilant.
The Singapore-flagged MV Express was on its way to Colombo from Gujarat with cargo. The ship was carrying chemicals and raw materials for the manufacture of cosmetics. The ship caught fire 9.5 nautical miles off the coast of Colombo. The ship anchored here on May 20.
The tanks contain 325 metric tons of fuel. In addition, 1486 containers contained 25 tons of dangerous nitric acid. ‘We have observed that the amount of nitrogen dioxide emitted from the MV Express pile is very large. During the monsoon season, nitrogen dioxide emissions can cause light acid rain. ‘ Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura said.
Coastal residents are advised to be vigilant these days. It is also advised not to rain these days. The MEPA said the ship’s fire was under control and that authorities had taken all necessary steps to clean up the beach as soon as possible to avoid pollution.
Attempts to set fire to two tugboats near the ship are ongoing. The situation is being handled by Indian Coast Guard vessels, two Sri Lanka Ports Authority tugboats and the Sri Lanka Navy. Lahandapura said the situation was being carefully assessed and there were no signs of an oil spill. India on Tuesday sent ICG Vaibhav, ICG Dornier and Tag Water Lily to the scene to assist the Sri Lankan Navy in the firefighting mission. India’s Special Pollution Response Ship Samudhahari will arrive here on Saturday to control pollution.