The incident caused widespread marine pollution, with billions of plastic nurdles and toxic substances spilling into Sri Lankan waters, killing marine life and devastating coastal communities. Dead turtles, dolphins and whales were seen washed up onto beaches for weeks following the disaster. On July 24, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court directed the ship’s owning and operating companies to pay USD 1 billion in compensation, with an initial tranche of USD 250 million due by September 23. The Supreme Court had termed the X-Press Pearl disaster the worst marine chemical catastrophe in recorded history in the Indian Ocean and declared it a violation of the fundamental rights of Sri Lankan fisherfolk to engage in lawful occupation. Following the incident, Sri Lanka also instituted criminal proceedings against the vessel’s captain, chief engineer and chief officer for the damage caused.