BBC uncovers lasting toxic legacy of cargo ship disaster off Sri Lanka
Summary
A cargo ship named X-Press Pearl sank off the coast of Sri Lanka in 2021, leading to the largest recorded plastic spill, along with other toxic substances. Volunteers have been working to clean up the beaches, but scientists now worry that the remaining plastic may be getting more toxic over time as it absorbs ocean pollution.Key Facts
- The X-Press Pearl disaster occurred in 2021, causing a large plastic spill off Sri Lanka's coast.
- The spill involved billions of tiny plastic pellets called nurdles, along with other harmful chemicals.
- The plastic spill caused visible damage, with dead marine life like turtles and dolphins washing up on shores.
- Volunteers initially removed large amounts of plastic but now find it harder as the pellets are buried in the sand.
- New research suggests these plastic pellets might be becoming more toxic by absorbing pollutants from the ocean.
- The disaster began when a leaking container onboard the ship could not be unloaded at ports before reaching Sri Lanka.
- The ship caught fire and sank, spilling its cargo and pollutants about nine nautical miles from the coast.
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