Our People
Five years. Nearly 70 court hearings. Still unable to return home. Captain Vitaly deserves justice. #FreeCaptainVitaly
He saved his crew but five and a half years later, he’s still trapped.
How much longer must Captain Vitaly wait?
In May 2021, Vitaly Tyutkalo was Master of the X-Press Pearl when a devastating fire engulfed the vessel off Sri Lanka. All crew members survived.
More than five and a half years later, Captain Vitaly remains confined in Sri Lanka, despite being convicted of no crime. He has faced nearly 70 court hearings, but he cannot return to his family under a court-imposed travel ban while legal proceedings continue.
Five years of birthdays, milestones and family moments that can never be recovered.
His dream is heartbreakingly simple:
“My dream is when I go into airport to meet my flight away [from Sri Lanka]. This is my dream every night.”
This is not just about one Captain. It is about the ongoing criminalisation of seafarers worldwide.
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has warned of seafarers being treated as criminals and held for months without trial. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labour Organization (ILO) and industry representatives have called for stronger protections, due process and fair treatment.
Investigations into maritime incidents must be thorough. Environmental damage must be addressed. But accountability must never come at the expense of fundamental human rights.
Five years of legal uncertainty is a punishment in itself.
At X-Press Feeders, we believe seafarers deserve fairness, dignity and justice, wherever they serve.
We call for an urgent review of Captain Vitaly’s continued travel restrictions, swift and fair resolution of proceedings, and practical application of international guidelines protecting seafarers’ rights.
To our colleagues across the maritime industry — shipowners, managers, unions, welfare organisations, insurers and maritime authorities:
Watch his story. Share his story. Stand up for Vitaly.
Because tomorrow, it could be another Captain. Another crew member. Another family waiting for someone to come home.
#FreeCaptainVitaly
