Lankan crew in Somali port freed

Rafik Jalaldeen

Sri Lanka crew including the captain of cargo ship Ro-Ro MV Leila which was being held off the Somali port of Berbera has been freed and is due in the country this week.

The UAE owned Panama-flagged MV Leila is being held at the Somali port of Berbera since September 15, 2009 under a court order over a legal dispute between Somali authorities, cargo owners and the ship-owner.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry said the UAE owned MV Leila was captured by pirates in the seas off Somalia. The ship belongs to a company in Dubai and the shipping company must take full responsibility for its crew.

The crew consists of 14 seafarers - seven from India, three (including Captain) from Sri Lanka, two from Pakistan and two from Somalia.

“Since there are 14 crew members from different countries, and the matter has to be taken up by the respective countries and get them released by diplomatic efforts. Sri Lanka has no embassy in Somalia. If there was one we would be kept informed about their situation,” the spokesperson added.

However, the Sri Lankan embassy in the UAE had contacted the shipping company and worked out to release the Sri Lankan crew. The shipping company has its own mechanism and must negotiate with pirates in Somalia to set free the ship and the crew.

Three members of Sri Lankans among the crew including Captain of the MV Leila were released and were expected to arrive in the country this week.