After nearly three years since the grounding and oil spill of the Wakashio bulk carrier off the coast of Mauritius, the Panama Maritime Authority has finally released its investigation report, shedding light on the incident that triggered an environmental emergency in July 2020.
The report, revealed by GCaptain, reaffirms previous knowledge about the event, indicating that the ship ran aground near Pointe d’Esny while traveling without cargo from Singapore to Brazil.
Approximately 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil spilled into the pristine waters about two weeks after the grounding, sparking a devastating environmental impact.
The investigation found that the ship sailed dangerously close to the shore, driven by crew members’ desire to establish cell phone communication with family and friends back home.
The Captain reportedly ordered the Chief Officer to pass five miles south of Mauritius before attending a crew member’s birthday celebration.
However, a misunderstanding led the ship closer to shallow waters. Distraction by cell phones prevented both the Captain and Chief Officer from realising the imminent danger, despite monitoring electronic charts in the ship’s ECDIS system.
The report identified the Captain’s failure to recognize the risks, the Chief Officer’s cell phone distraction, overconfidence by the Captain, and inadequate ISM procedures as contributing factors to the incident.
Both Captain Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, 58, and his First Officer, Hitihanillage Subhoda Janendra Tilakaratna, 45 were subsequently sentenced to 20-months prison for their roles in the accident. However, Captain Nad was eventually released.
The Captain revealed that his release was made possible “after a series of negotiations and representations with the local maritime union of Mauritius, High Commission of India in Port Louis, Shipping Ministry of India and External Affairs Ministry of India.”
Notably, the incident took place amidst the crew change crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlights that a month prior to the accident, the ship’s Bosun had jumped overboard, leaving the AB position vacant due to COVID-19 restrictions after the previous AB was promoted to Bosun.
Although the investigation report was submitted to the IMO in 2021, it has only now been made accessible to the public, shedding further light on the events surrounding this devastating maritime accident.
Hereunder the full report:
Original article at: Captain.com
