The trial of MV Wakashio’s captain and No. 2 will begin on Dec. 20 in the intermediate court.
The office of the director of public prosecutions filed a formal charge of “endangering safe navigation” against Captain Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, 58, and Chief Officer Hitihamillage Subodha Janendra Tilakaratna, 45, before Magistrate Ida Dookhy Rambarun on Wednesday.
The two men have been in custody since the grounding of the bulk carrier MV Wakashio off Pointe d’Esny on July 25, 2020. Captain Nandeshwar is represented by Mr. Gavin Glover and his first mate by Ms. Amira Peeroo. Seventeen witnesses have been called in this trial, which will begin on Monday, December 20.
The bulk carrier MV Wakashio grounded on a reef at Pointe d’Ensy, on the south-eastern coast of Mauritius, on 25 July 2020. It was not carrying any cargo, but an estimated 3,894 tonnes of low-sulphur fuel oil, 207 tonnes of diesel and 90 tonnes of lubricant oil were on board. As of 11 August, reports indicated that approximately 1000 tonnes of oil had leaked into the ocean. This figure will be refined as the oil spill response operation progresses.
An estimated 3,000 tonnes of fuel have been successfully removed from the MV Wakashio before it broke in two parts, on 15 August 2020 – hence preventing further damage to the ecosystem.
The affected area is located in an ecologically sensitive area that includes the Blue Bay Marine Park, Ile aux Aigrettes, and the Ramsar sites.
