Sri Lankan crew to be released

2 March 2010 02:24 am - 3 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Sri Lankan crew, including the captain, of a cargo ship being held by Somali authorities at gunpoint at a port in Berbera since September 15, 2009 are set to be released this week following diplomatic intervention.

Reports from Somalia said that the Panama-flagged but UAE owned Ro-Ro cargo ship is being held at the Somaliland port of Berbera under a court order in a legal dispute between Somaliland authorities, cargo owners and the ship-owner.

The roll-on-roll-off vessel MV LEILA consists of 14 seafarers - 7 from India, 3 (incl. Captain) from Sri Lanka, 2 from Pakistan and 2 from Somalia. The 1973 built rust-bucket is apparently in a very bad shape too and the condition of vessel and crew are deteriorating. The crew had asked for urgent international intervention and assistance.

Diplomatic missions of India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have also been involved and have now all agreed to provide tickets for the evacuation of the crew already. The Indian crew having been successfully evacuated to Nairobi and the two Pakistanis hopefully to follow on Friday.

The Sri Lankan captain and his mates will also have to wait another day, because the captain has to first officially hand over the vessel and the three last of the expatriate crew will then fly out on Thursday to Sri Lanka, reports said. (Daily Mirror online)

Order Gifts to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Vegetables, Grocery, Flowers, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,News, Courier/Delivery, Food Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka.

Sell your vehicle & house fast with hitad.lk only cost is Rs.400, Advertise in Hitad.lk for free to sell your mobile phone. Want to sell your Pet, Advertise for Free in hitad.lk Search for Houses in Sri Lanka and find the best place through Hitad.lk find your best tuition place. Find the best partner for you, visit hitad.lk Find anything at any time hitad.lk.

Comments - 3

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 03:43 AM

good news for their family members

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 11:06 AM

they could have released the crew first

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 06:39 AM

What an ordeal! Thank goodness they are going free. It was terrible to read their plight during the presidential elections when DM reported it and now some good news at last! Their families should be so relieved. Hope they'd return safe.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Sri Lankan crew to be released

Comments - 3

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Wickremesinghe, Alahapperuma and the 2022 Presidential Election

Versatile Filmmaker Vasantha Obeysekera’s “Dadayama” (The Hunt)

Aragalaya will drag Sri Lanka into chaos and anarchy : Weerawansa

Tamil Parties Must Urge Full Implementation of 13A

Govt. re-recommends COVID-19 regulations: Medics, legal experts warn of vaccine expiry dates and injuries

8-year-old grave sexual abuse victim gets justice after 18 years

Covid makes a comeback!

Most Viewed in News

Retired female state bank AGM arrested over Rs.68 Mn fraud

46 illegal Sri Lankan migrants deported from Australia, arrived

GR to return to SL in 3 months as options run out

GR spotted leaving airport in Thailand

Gotabaya Rajapaksa advised to remain indoors for security reasons at Bangkok hotel

Customs notify travellers to refrain from bringing prohibited, restricted commodities

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Those who could not work in Y’palana Govt with Ranil as PM, now trying to secure positions - MP Dayasiri

All party rule Harsha de Silva tries to strike unity between Govt, Opposition

Chinese ship Yuan Wang 5 MEDIA STATEMENT suspending arrival at Hambantota Port

Kataragama and Kandy Water cutting ceremony

MIRROR CRICKET

England take early T20I series lead over Sri Lanka

New Zealand clinch World Test title

LPL 2nd edition from July 30-August 22-SLC

Sanath Jayasuriya signs as coach at Melbourne cricket club Mulgrave

Lankan athletes need more foreign exposure – NOCSL

Lankan athletes Sarangi, Sumedha fall short in finals

IPG comes forward as Ground Rights Holder and Broadcast Production for SLC’s T20 Invitational

Sri Lanka win bronze in Wrestling