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Phoenix Sun saga ends as long-stranded boat to leave Sorel

Phoenix Sun saga ends as long-stranded boat to leave Sorel

After two and a half years, the Phoenix Sun will finally be leaving the port of Sorel-Tracy, after being authorized by Transport Canada to leave the downtown dock on Saturday.

People in the City of Sorel-Tracy are so pleased about the ship's departure, they're popping champagne on the dock as a celebration.

"It's a story that ends well," said mayor Serge Péloquin, adding that it "could've turned into a tragedy."

The rusted 186-metre freighter has been docked at Sorel-Tracy since Nov. 2012, and residents had initiated a petition to have it removed.

A Montreal company oversaw the boat's repair. In 2014, the company Holborn Shipping bought the ship for $682,500. The ship is now headed to Dubai, where it will undergo major repairs and be rebaptized as "Phoenix."

The plight of the Turkish sailors

A dozen sailors from Turkey were safely sent home after they were not paid for two months and ran out of food, a situation called "barbaric and beyond comprehension" by a union representing seafarers.

Ontario-based company Menpas Shipping flew the men from Turkey to repair the ship and sail it overseas for dismantling.

But the sailors said they stopped getting paid in July, a claim refuted by the company.

People in Sorel raised $10,000 to help the sailors go home.