A fire on the ship MV X-Press Pearl anchored off the coast of Colombo beach of Sri Lanka, has been burning since May 20. It was made worse after an explosion several days after the initial fire broke out. Sri Lanka’s air force released images a week ago showing the ship in flames.
The ship was loaded with toxic chemicals like nitric acid, methane, and caustic soda. The cargo also included tons of plastic pellets that have gone overboard and are washing up on shore. ZSri Lanka’s Marine Protection authority has called the event “the worst beach pollution in our history.” Although some reports say the fire is contained, black smoke is continuing to be reported as billowing from the wreckage.
The ship is expected to sink.