Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board has informed a vessel on route to China, which had docked at the Hambantota Port, to leave immediately.

The vessel in question was on its way to China when it faced technical issues. Its authorities had then sought the permission to enter the Hambantota Port.

However, upon discovering that it carries radioactive material, Sri Lanka directed the vessel to leave the port immediately.

It was found that the ship was carrying a cargo of Uranium Hexafluoride via investigations made by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Port Authority.

Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board said legal action will be sought against the local agents of the vessel in question.

The Hambantota International Port Group issued the following statement regarding the vessel:

Dangerous Cargo detected at HIP

M.V. BBC Naples sailing under the flag of “Antigua & Barbados” entered the port of Hambantota on 20th April at 2100 hrs, while en route from Rotterdam to China.  The ship made an emergency call at the port for some urgent repairs.  Agents for the vessel in Sri Lanka, Ms. Barwil Meridian Navigation, had not declared to the port authorities that there was dangerous cargo on board prior to the vessel entering the port.

It was later found that they were carrying a cargo of Uranium Hexafluoride via investigations made by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Port Authority.  The vessel was required to leave the port no sooner the facts were verified.

The SLPA, Navy, and Customs officials had approved all the necessary documentation prior to berthing of the vessel, based on the declaration made by the agent. The Navy and Customs were present at all times to ensure that there wasn’t any cargo unloaded onto the Hambantota International Port premises.