17-Feb-2022

X-Press Feeders, operators of the container ship 'X-Press Pearl', are relieved to report that three of the remaining four former crewmembers of the vessel have had their travel bans lifted by a Sri Lankan court on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Arrangements are currently being made for their immediate repatriation to their families after spending nearly eight months in Sri Lanka after their evacuation from the vessel on May 25, 2021.

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We continue to work with the Sri Lankan authorities towards the further lifting of the travel ban for the Russian Captain, Vitaly Tyutkalo, the only remaining crew member who has now been away from his family and home for nine months and remains housed at a hotel in Colombo. The toll that his long separation from family and friends is taking on him mentally and physically is of great concern, and there are fears for his health. There is also the ongoing burden placed on his family at home, who remain uncertain of when he will return to them. 

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X-Press Feeders continue to provide as much support as possible to the Master and his family, and we appeal for compassion to his plight. We desperately hope to see him released to travel and repatriated as soon as possible.