The Impact of Ship Disaster in Sri Lanka on Aquatic Animals

Our ocean is home to diverse living beings. From the tiniest single-celled plankton to the largest animal on Earth; the blue whale, deserve to live in the ocean. Unfortunately, some circumstances lead to the destruction of these aquatic inhabitants. Shipping accidents have been a cause of great concern in the maritime industry since they create a substantial negative impact on many parties. Once Blaise Pascal said “The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble” Even a pebble can affect the ocean, can you imagine the impact of ship disasters on the entire ocean including marine animals? Specifically, aquatic animals have become the victims of ship disasters.

In Sri Lanka, we were able to experience some ship disasters most recently. In September of last year, a Panamanian-registered oil tanker, New Diamond, caught fire while transporting 270,000 tons of crude oil from Kuwait to India. Fortunately, the tanker didn’t break up. Thus, the island escaped the disastrous impact of a major oil slick.

However, we didn’t have any salvation from the toxic X-Press Pearl disaster. The 610ft long Singapore-flagged cargo arrived at the Colombo Port from India on 15th May. The ship was carrying 1,486 containers with 25 tons of nitric acid, several other chemicals, and cosmetics. On 20th May the toxic X-Press Pearl caught fire off the coast of Sri Lanka leaving in its wake an environmental disaster that Sri Lanka will likely have to live with for decades. The toxic X-Press Pearl container ship has caused one of the worst environmental disasters Sri Lanka has ever seen. After being on fire for days, the ship finally sank off the coast of Colombo in early June. Even though the flames had been doused, the disaster had just begun. The ocean has already begun to tell us its own story. The most miserable thing is that the ocean has proved it won’t be a safer home anymore.

The toxic X-Press Pearl has become the reason to ruin our ocean by releasing highly corrosive chemicals and billions of plastic pellets. Not only that, over 200 rare marine animals had no other choice but death. At least 176 turtles, 20 dolphins, and 4 whales have perished due to the hazardous chemical leak. Furthermore, the carcasses of marine animals have been washed up on the coast with bloated bellies and pellets stuck in their gills after the ship disaster. Even though the damage committed by the toxic X-Press Pearl to the ecosystem is incalculable, the Sri Lankan government raised an initial claim of $40 million for the cost of fighting the fire and recovering around 50,000 fishermen for lost income.

But who is responsible for the deaths of marine animals? Their lives are free from claims. The most unfair thing is that they suffered a lot without doing any offence. No one can estimate the value of a living being. Even though these innocent marine animals deserve to live in the ocean, their living rights have been violated miserably. That’s the worst impact of the X-Press Pearl disaster. So, it’s clear that Sri Lanka should take into consideration the conservation of marine animals immediately.

When it comes to conservation, Sri Lanka should implement clean-up campaigns to remove hazardous plastic waste from the ocean as the first priority. Since abnormally high turtle deaths have occurred, successful turtle conservation projects should be implemented immediately. Further, biomonitoring programs are recommended by the ecosystem experts in order to monitor the situation around the wreck including the status of sensitive marine animals. Beyond short-term plans, it’s highly efficient to emerge long-term maritime disaster plans to prevent and respond to future disasters. Moreover, the government should enhance cooperation among maritime authorities and other parties. Shipping companies and sailors should enhance knowledge of marine dangers and the consequences of accidents, particularly hazardous chemical pollution. Therefore, vigorous conservation of marine animals and ocean health leads to restoring the glory of our natural resources.

All in all, it’s clear that ship disasters have become the silent killers of marine animals. Therefore, our ultimate objective should be focused on avoiding ship disasters rather than getting penalties in the aftermath. Because owing an ultra-high penalty cannot bring back dead marine animals and also a polluted marine environment. That’s why prevention is better than cure.

- Rtr. Piumali Pattiarachchi -