Captain of the Wakashio pleas for bail in Mauritius
The captain of the vessel that ran ashore and caused the most damaging environmental crisis for the Indian Ocean country of Mauritius is now asking for bail in a national court.
By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas & Pacific Correspondent
Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, captain of the Wakashio, continues to plead for bail and temporary release from jail.
Journalist Vel Moonien, reporting on location in Mauritius, provided this development via GCaptain.
He has taken his case to the Mauritius Supreme Court to rule on his bail as he continues to await trial over his role in the devastating July 2020 shipwreck.
Nandeshwar served as the captain of the ore-carrier MV Wakashio ran aground, causing an offshore oil spill.
Such a disaster is being heralded as one of the most devastating environmental incidents ever to strike the small island nation of 1.266 million people.
Previous reporting on the incident notes that Nandeshwar rejects the prosecutor’s claims that he would try to flee the country if released on bail.
“I stand advised that I am innocent until proven guilty and that the presumption of innocence should weigh heavily in my favor,” said the captain in a statement.
Chief Justice Asraf Caunhye will hear the captain’s case.
No one knows if and when a decision will be reached.
