The oil leaking from the ship which sank at sea just off Panadura is spreading to the shores of Negombo, according to the Disaster Management Center (DMC).

While the Cyprus flagged vessel, which remained in Sri Lankan waters since 2009 following a court order which prevented it from leaving, completely sank last evening, the remaining oil in the ship is already spreading towards the shoreline, Additional Director of the DMC, Pradeep Kodippili said.

He stated that a thin layer of oil is visible in the water near the sunken ship and that studies are being conducted with the aid of the Marine Environment Protection Authority.

However, he stated that if any emergency situation occurs the assistance of the tri-forces will be sought and that units are on standby around the clock to take necessary precautions.

The ship manufactured in 1985 was detained in Sri Lanka on a court order after a dispute involving the cargo and its crew.

The condition of the ship began deteriorating as it remained at sea without being maintained and subsequently it began taking in water.

However the Sri Lankan Marine Environment Protection Authority had stated that they did not expect a major environmental impact as most of the oil from the ship had been removed before the vessel sank.