A vessel carrying dangerous radioactive cargo had entered the Hambantota Port for an urgent repair hiding the true facts about the cargo on board on April 20.
M.V. BBC Naples sailing under the flag of Antigua & Barbados had entered the port at 2100 hrs, en route from Rotterdam to China.
Agents for the vessel 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.
However, 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 Hambantota Port Authorities said.
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 was no cargo unloaded onto the Hambantota International Port premises, the Port said. Currently the ship is docked at the outer port, it is reported.
