Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Coast Guard for marine disaster preparedness

This week, the Indian Coast Guard was summoned to combat a blaze on a cargo ship off the coast of Goa, an alarming reminder of the recent X-Press Pearl disaster which wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka’s marine environment. Despite the immense damage caused, compensation for this disaster remains unpaid to Sri Lanka. As the Indian authorities battle the fire on a container ship destined for Sri Lanka, a crucial question emerges: Is Sri Lanka equipped to handle a similar maritime disaster? What measures have been taken to bolster our marine disaster mitigation infrastructure since the last catastrophe?

The X-Press Pearl incident underscored the vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka’s maritime disaster response capabilities. The fire and subsequent sinking of the vessel led to an unprecedented environmental catastrophe, with toxic chemicals and plastic pellets contaminating the ocean and coastline. The economic impact was also severe, affecting fisheries, tourism, and the livelihoods of countless coastal communities. The delay in receiving compensation has only exacerbated the situation, leaving Sri Lanka to bear the brunt of the disaster’s aftermath.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative to assess the steps taken to enhance Sri Lanka’s readiness for future maritime disasters. While some progress has been made, there is a pressing need for more robust investments in coastguard infrastructure, training, and technology.

The Sri Lankan Coast Guard which had inherited a couple of decommissioned Navy ships and small boats for maritime petrol requires modern vessels equipped with firefighting, oil spill response, and search and rescue capabilities. Modernising the fleet and ensuring the availability of specialised equipment is essential for early warning and tackling of maritime disasters. In 2021, when the X-Press Pearl was on fire the Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force failed to control the fire on the ship even with the aid of the Indian Coast Guard which dispatched a specialised pollution response vessel. 

As the Indian Coast Guard fights to contain the fires in a Colombo bound ship off its Western Coast, the question has to be raised whether any lessons have been actually learnt by the Sri Lankan authorities in handling such a crisis. Effective coordination between the coastguard, navy, environmental authorities, and other relevant agencies is vital for a swift and efficient response to marine disasters. Establishing clear communication channels and joint response protocols will streamline efforts and minimise response time. Engaging with private sector stakeholders, including shipping companies and maritime insurers, can help secure funding for essential equipment and infrastructure. These partnerships can also facilitate the development of comprehensive disaster response plans and drills.

Investing in research and monitoring programs to assess the health of marine ecosystems is crucial for early detection of potential threats. Advanced monitoring systems can provide real-time data, enabling proactive measures to prevent and mitigate disasters. As Sri Lanka aspires to become a maritime hub, the importance of a resilient and well-equipped coastguard cannot be overstated. The strategic location of Sri Lanka along major shipping routes necessitates a proactive approach to maritime safety and environmental protection. The recent incident off the coast of Goa and our own memory of the X-Press Pearl disaster and similar crises in recent years serves as a stark reminder that preparedness is key to mitigating the impact of marine disasters.