News / Crew evacuated and General Average declared as fire engulfs X-Press Pearl

Photo: Sri Lanka Ports Authority

General Average has now been declared on the fire-stricken X-Press Pearl after the blaze aboard the ship worsened overnight due to strong winds and deteriorating weather conditions.

The vessel’s owner and operator X-Press Feeders said that early this morning the vessel’s crew and 12 firefighters disembarked “as a safety precautionary measure”.

“Fire and smoke still remain on board. The salvage team, with fire experts and fire fighters will continue to work on putting out the fire.

“Special fire-fighting equipment arrived from Europe last ...