Side Scan Sonar Survey by RV Samuddrika to investigate impact on the Marine Environment - Post MV XPress Pearl incident

Sri Lanka Navy operated Research Vessel RV Samuddrika sailed from Dikkovita Fishery harbour with the staff of National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) to conduct a Side Scan Sonar survey to investigate the presence of marine debris / obstructions created by sunken ship MV X-Press Pearl. The primary objective of this survey is to identify marine hazards to other marine traffic including fishermen by the presence of marine debris such as containers tumbled into sea.  The presence of debris after calamitous incident had badly affected the livelihood local fishermen and it is necessary to identify obstructions at seafloor for early salvage to ensure safety. RV Samudrika will engage with Side Scan Sonar survey from 15 to 30 June, covering off Handala to Negambo sea area considering the present monsoonal pattern.

RV Samudrika sailed with permanent crew of 07 including Hydrographers from SRI LANKA NAVY HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE and 04 personnel from NARA. Additionally, Indian Navy surveying ship, INS Sarvekshak also arrived to the Port of Colombo today (25TH) to assist the on-going side scan operation by SLNHS and NARA in the seaward areas of the wrecked MV X-Press Pearl and joint side scan operation will speed up the investigation on sea floor.