August 21, Colombo (LNW): More than three years after being detained in Sri Lanka following the fire and sinking of the container ship X-Press Pearl, Captain Vitaly Tyutkalo remains unable to return home, according to Seatrade Maritime News.
The X-Press Pearl, newly delivered from China in early 2021, caught fire in May 2021 due to leaking dangerous cargo and eventually sank off the coast of Sri Lanka despite the crew’s efforts to save it.
Captain Vitaly was arrested after the incident, released on bail, but his passport was confiscated, preventing him from leaving the country.
His health has deteriorated during his prolonged stay in Sri Lanka, including suffering a heart attack.
Captain Vitaly has appealed directly to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, asking for assistance in returning home to his family, expressing his anguish over missing significant family events.
X-Press Feeders, the captain’s employer, has continued to support him with legal assistance, salary, accommodation, and a car.
However, the slow legal process has left Captain Vitaly in limbo, with no clear resolution in sight.
Despite the support from his employer, the uncertainty surrounding his case has taken a significant emotional toll on him
He describes the support he has received from his employers as “unbelievable” and says that his lawyer has been extremely involved in his case, Sea Trade Maritime news reported.
“But unfortunately, they have no control over how slow the court process is, they have no control over my case, or who has my passport.”
The Sri Lankan government has received Rs 3,068 million in compensation from the London P&I Club for the X-Press Pearl disaster, but this amount is deemed insufficient for the affected fishermen.
The insurance company has limited compensation to £19.8 million. In response, the Sri Lankan government has filed three separate lawsuits in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the UK seeking additional compensation.
The disaster occurred on May 19, 2021, when the X-Press Pearl, carrying hazardous materials, caught fire near Colombo, leading to a significant environmental disaster.
The incident resulted in widespread contamination and damage to marine life, severely impacting local fishermen and coastal communities.
Despite the initial compensation, many fishermen and those involved in the fishing industry have yet to receive adequate compensation.
The disaster has also caused long-term economic and environmental damage, including reduced fish populations and tourism.
Fishermen continue to face challenges in their livelihoods, with ongoing fears about unexploded containers and further environmental harm.
