MV Xpress Pearl : Booms laid at Negombo estuary to prevent leaked oil spilling into the lagoon

ISMATHUL RAHMAN

NEGOMBO- A boom has been laid between the sea and the lake in Negombo to prevent the oil spilt from the burning vessel flowing into the lagoon.

According to an official from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, (SLCG) “Booms were also laid in identified areas such as Negombo lagoon entrance to minimize damages that may cause to the marine environment.”

Continuous SLCG-run beach assessment and clean-ups are being conducted to lessen the danger posing to marine environment from Moratuwa to Ma-Oya, he also said.

Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) personnel have collected over 5,000 kilos of debris from affected seaside areas of the ill-fated ship recently (May 26 and 27).

SLCG also has taken steps to respond to the oil spill by stationing two Fast Patrol Vessels, SLCG Ship Samudraraksha and SLCG Ship Samaraksha at the Port of Colombo.
 
Oil Spill Response teams with response equipment have been deployed in identified environmentally sensitive areas to engage in case of reporting such status quo, SLCG said.