Historic $1 Billion Verdict Over Indian Ocean's Worst Marine Chemical Catastrophe

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka made a landmark ruling on Thursday, ordering a Singapore-based shipping company to compensate $1 billion for the 2021 marine disaster involving the MV X-Press Pearl. The incident, which occurred in the Indian Ocean, has been described as the worst marine chemical catastrophe in the region's history.

The catastrophic event unfolded when the ship, carrying 81 containers of hazardous chemicals, caught fire in Sri Lankan waters. Over 70 billion plastic nurdles and toxic substances polluted the ocean and coastline, leading to significant environmental damage and the deaths of numerous marine animals including turtles, dolphins, and whales.

The court emphasized the gross negligence by state authorities that exacerbated the disaster, while also highlighting Sri Lanka's initial claim of $40 million to address cleanup efforts. Criminal charges have been initiated against the vessel's captain and crew.

(With inputs from agencies.)