Mauritius police on Tuesday arrested the captain of a Japanese ship that ran aground off its coast, and spilled tons of oil in one of the world’s most pristine maritime environments, reported Reuters.
Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar and Tilak Ratna Suboda were charged with endangering safe navigation. The two made an appearance in the district court in the capital Port Louis to hear the charges. They are being held in prison until August 25, when they will reappear in the Mauritius court.
“We have arrested the captain of the vessel and another member of the crew. After having been heard by the court they have been denied bail and are still in detention,” Inspector Siva Coothen told in an interview with Reuters.
The Japanese vessel Wakashio, owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd, ran aground on a coral reef, Pointe d’Esny, on 25 July, near two marine ecosystems.
The ship began to leak oil on August 6. Later over the weekend, the vessel split into two. The rear part with about 90 tonnes of fuel onboard is still stranded on the reef. The ship was carrying about 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil. 1,000 tonnes spilled into the waters and most of the remaining fuel oil has been recovered.
Earlier this month, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a state of emergency and appealed for international help.
Environmental groups have warned that the damage caused to the coral reefs in Mauritius due to the oil spill could be irreversible.
The Mauritius government has said it will seek compensation from the owner of the ship, Japanese firm Nagashiki Shipping. The government has come under fire to explain why immediate action wasn’t taken to empty the ship of its fuel before it began to leak.
A team of Japanese experts is expected to arrive in Mauritius on Wednesday to help with the clean-up.
