Investigation of Fire onboard Singapore-registered Vessel "X-Press Pearl" and Its Subsequent Sinking in Sri Lankan Waters

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau or MPA will be carrying out their own investigation in respect of the fire onboard the Singapore-registered vessel “X-Press Pearl” and its subsequent sinking in Sri Lankan waters; and (b) if so, whether the findings and any lessons learned will be made public.

Mr S Iswaran: The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) has launched a marine safety investigation into the fire onboard the X-Press Pearl, in accordance with the IMO’s Casualty Investigation Code. The investigation report will be made public.

As the flag Administration, MPA has commenced a separate investigation into the X-Press Pearl incident under the Merchant Shipping Act.

MPA will share any relevant lessons learnt with the owners and operators of Singapore-registered ships.