Colombo: Four years after the catastrophic X-Press Pearl cargo ship disaster, Sri Lanka is still grappling with the environmental fallout, as volunteers tirelessly sift through the beaches, removing kilograms of toxic plastic nurdles from the sand.

According to BBC, the X-Press Pearl disaster in 2021 resulted in the largest plastic spill ever recorded, with billions of nurdles, the raw materials for plastic products, washing ashore. This environmental calamity was compounded by the release of engine fuel, acid, caustic soda, lead, copper slag, lithium batteries, and epoxy resin into the ocean, all of which are toxic to marine life. The immediate aftermath saw the shoreline inundated with nurdles, while dead turtles, dolphins, and fish began appearing on the beaches.

The disaster unfolded when the Singapore-flagged vessel set sail from Dubai Port, bound for Port Klang in Malaysia. The crew discovered a leaking container of nitric acid, which was denied offloading at ports in Qatar and India. By the time it reached Sri Lankan waters on May 19, 2021, the ship was ablaze, and despite firefighting efforts, it sank two weeks later, spilling its toxic cargo into the sea.

Environmentalists and volunteers, including Muditha Katuwawala of the Pearl Protectors, witnessed firsthand the devastating effects on marine life, with turtles and dolphins showing severe chemical burns. The cleanup efforts, initially led by volunteers, became increasingly challenging as the nurdles dispersed and buried themselves in the sand.

Scientists have raised concerns about the potential for the plastic pellets to become more toxic over time, as they absorb pollutants from the environment. Tests conducted on fish caught near the disaster site revealed hazardous metal levels exceeding safe limits, underscoring the ongoing threat to both marine ecosystems and human health.

The ship’s owner, X-Press Feeders Ltd, asserts it has spent over $150 million on cleanup efforts and compensation to the Sri Lankan government and affected fishermen. However, the Sri Lankan government argues that the compensation is insufficient and is pursuing legal action for further restitution. The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered an initial payment of $1 billion from the company to cover long-term damage, but jurisdictional challenges remain.

The lingering effects of the disaster have severely impacted local communities, particularly fishermen whose livelihoods depend on the sea. As the struggle for justice and recovery continues, the long-term environmental and economic consequences of the X-Press Pearl disaster remain a pressing concern for Sri Lanka and its people.