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Maritime Union of India seeks support for fair trial of Wakashio CaptainMaritime Union of India seeks support for fair trial of Wakashio Captain

The Maritime Union of India is seeking support for a fair trial of Wakashio Captain Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar by courts in Mauritius.

Marcus Hand, Editor

August 31, 2020

1 Min Read
RISHI ETWAROO L'EXPRESS MAURICE
Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, captain of WakashioPhoto: Rishi Etwaroo - L'Express Maurice

The Wakashio, owned by Nagashiki Shipping, went aground off Mauritius on 25 July, before it split into two on 16 August, and spilled at least 1,000 tonnes of 4,000 tonnes of bunker fuel onboard into the sea.

The Master of the Wakashio has been charged courts in Mauritius of ‘unlawful interference with the operation of a property of a ship’ that resulted in unsafe navigation and remains under detention in a police cell according to local reports. He could face a 60-year jail term if found guilty.

The MUI is seeking a fair inquiry in the judicial trial of the Captain the Press Trust of India reported.

The Union has written to the Shipping Ministry of India, Mauritius Government, High Commission of India in Port Louis, High Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Mauritius in India, Office of Mauritius Attorney General, Mauritius Police, Mauritius-based Maritime Transport and Port Employees Union and all relevant offices in Mauritius and India for a fair trial of the matter

"MUI's communication has requested these bodies to investigate the arrest of Capt Sunil Nandeshwar in Mauritius and conduct his judicial trial in the local Court abiding the guidelines laid by 'International Maritime Organisation' and without bowing to any political, governmental or corporate pressure. He is currently in judicial custody in Mauritius," a statement from the MUI was quoted as saying.

Related:Wakashio captain faces 60 years in jail

MUI general secretary Amar Singh Thakur said, "Capt Sunil Nandeshwar has had an incident-free career in the merchant navy for over 40 years, and around 25 years in command as ship's Captain. He has successfully completed over 100 voyages across the globe till-date"

The Union is also seeking that he be allowed to communicate with his family and shipping company managers.

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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