The Container Ship “X-PRESS PEARL” registered under the Singapore flag faced an unfortunate occurrence while at anchorage about 10 nautical miles off the Colombo Harbour. A fire had erupted onboard the vessel and the SLAF received a distress call this morning (21 May 2021).

Even with the inclement weather which prevailed today, the SLAF deployed a Bell-212 helicopter from the No 4 Squadron at Ratmalana. The helicopter departed SLAF Base Ratmalana to SLAF Base Katunayake where Dry Chemical Powder was loaded on the helicopter.

The Bell-212 successfully dropped 425 Kg’s of Dry Chemical Powder on the Ship. The helicopter was Captained by Wing Commander Prasanna Gunaratne and Co-piloted by Squadron Leader Rehan Goonetileke.