Over 200 rare marine animals died due to chemical leak from sunk ship, hears Sri Lankan court

At least 176 turtles, 20 dolphins and four whales have perished due to a resultant chemical leak

Over 200 rare marine animals have died due to the fire aboard a Singapore-flagged container ship that was carrying tonnes of hazardous chemicals and sank off Sri Lanka's coast earlier this month, a court here has heard, days after the carcasses of the sea creatures started to wash ashore. Briefing on the damage to aquatic life in the aftermath of 'X-Press Pearl' container ship sinking, the Attorney General's Office told the Magistrate's Court, here, that at least 176 turtles, 20 dolphins and four whales have perished due to a resultant chemical leak. In the last few days, the carcasses of scores of sea animals have washed ashore. The Department of Wildlife has reported the beaching of animals to 26 different courts, the Attorney General's Office said.