(COLOMBO) – An Indian-flagged vessel has been detained at the Colombo Port in Sri Lanka after the ship had allegedly spewed oil into the sea, according to officials with the Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).
They said that legal action has been initiated against the owning company and the relevant insurance agency regarding following the oil spill.
Under the Marine Environment Protection Authority Act, the MEPA is seeking compensation, the officials added.
The vessel had arrived at the Port of Colombo recently for maintenance work. A special investigation conducted by MEPA had revealed a leak of hydraulic oil from the ship into the sea.
The company’s owner has admitted to the incident and agreed to provide compensation, the officials added.
Subsequently a local Magistrate imposed an overseas a travel ban on the captain of the ship following a request made by police until the matter is settled.
