MV Wakashio Captain and second-in-command to plead guilty

The captain of MV Wakashio, Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar and his second-in-command, Hitihanillage Subhoda Janendra Tilakaratna, have pleaded guilty to a formal charge of ‘Endangering Safe Navigation ‘under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.

Their trial will begin before the Intermediate Court on 20 December.

The two are accused of being responsible for the wreck of the MV Wakashio on 25 July 2020 off coast Pointe-d’Esny, in the territorial waters of Mauritius.

The wreck caused a major oil spill on the south-eastern coastal zone of Mauritius affecting marine life and the livelihood of fishermen and skippers of pleasure craft boats.

Captain Nandeshwar, a 58-year-old national, has retained the services of barrister Ilshad Munsoor. His second-in-command, a 45-year-old Sri Lankan, is represented by Amiira Peeroo.

For this trial starting on Monday, 17 witnesses have been summoned.