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Travel ban on four X-Press Pearl crew lifted, four remain in Sri LankaTravel ban on four X-Press Pearl crew lifted, four remain in Sri Lanka

Four of the eight seafarers remaining in Sri Lanka following the X-Press Pearl fire and sinking in May/June this year have been allowed to leave the country.

Marcus Hand, Editor

December 13, 2021

1 Min Read
x press pearl sinking twitter cropped
Photo: Kanchana Wijesekera - Twitter feed

X-Press Feeders said that four out of eight crew that had been unable to leave Sri Lanka for over six months since the casualty had had their travel bans lifted.

“Arrangements are currently being made for their immediate repatriation to their families after spending more than six months in Sri Lanka after their evacuation from the vessel on May 25, 2021,” the company said.

X-Press Feeders said it continued to work on lifting travel bans on the four remaining seafarers who are currently staying in a Colombo Hotel.

“We are very aware and concerned about the toll that their lengthy separation from family and friends is taking on them mentally and physically and the ongoing burden placed on their families at home. We are providing as much support as possible to these much-valued seafarers and their families and are hoping to see them repatriated as soon as possible.”

Following the casualty the ship's Russian Master was arrested and released on bail on suspicion of committing offences under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act.

The X-Press Pearl started to sink on June 2 after a container fire burned on the vessel for two weeks. Explosions were reported from the vessel in late May. The crew were safely evacuated, with two crew hospitalised for leg injuries.

Related:Shanghai Salvage contracted for X-Press Pearl wreck removal

On 2 December Shanghai Salvage Company was awarded a contract for wreck removal.

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X-Press Pearl

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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