X-Press Feeders has expressed frustration over the “bureaucratic and legal hurdles” delaying the resolution of the X-Press Pearl disaster case. The containership caught fire in May 2021, triggering one of Sri Lanka’s worst environmental crises. The vessel’s captain, Vitaly Tyutkalo, has been unable to leave Sri Lanka for 1,280 days due to a court-imposed travel ban.
The company stated it has already paid out nearly $160 million in compensation and called for the case to be expedited, urging the Sri Lankan government to review the proceedings against the former captain. “Vitaly remains trapped in Sri Lanka, missing significant family milestones such as his daughter’s wedding and graduation. He continues to suffer due to unreasonable delays in the government’s case,” the company said.
Disaster’s Environmental Toll
The X-Press Pearl, a three-month-old, 2,700 TEU containership, spilled hazardous substances, including nitric acid and microplastic granules, into the Indian Ocean after a devastating fire. The cleanup, still ongoing after three and a half years, involves around 200 women manually collecting plastic nurdles along Sri Lanka’s western coastline. Each worker earns approximately $10 daily for their efforts.
Plastic nurdles, tiny beads used to produce plastic items, were among the largest pollutants in the disaster. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has drafted recommendations for safer transportation of plastic pellets on ships.
Government’s Renewed Investigation
Reports suggest that Sri Lanka’s new government plans to reopen investigations and pursue multi-billion-dollar claims from insurers related to the disaster. However, X-Press Feeders emphasized the importance of fairness in the legal process and the release of the captain, who has been unable to return home for more than three and a half years.
This prolonged legal battle highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing the environmental and human consequences of maritime disasters.
