4 Alleged Breaches in Wakashio Report : Falsification, Cover-Up, Monitoring & Perjury

Grave inconsistencies, potential falsification of radio logs, and a possible cover-up have been exposed in the official investigation into the grounding of the MV Wakashio oil tanker off the coast of Pointe-d’Esny in July 2020.

The damning findings, released on Thursday afternoon, October 2, by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, stem from the Investigation Court’s report.

The Court’s president, former Justice Abdurrafeek Hamuth, assisted by Marine Engineer Jean Mario Geneviève and Marine Surveyor Johnny Lam Kai Leung, concluded that some police officers did not tell the truth despite having given their testimony under oath.

Key Evidence and Suspected Misconduct

The report highlights major inconsistencies between the testimonies of officers from the National Coast Guard (NCG) Operation Room and those of agents stationed at Pointe-du-Diable.

Crucially, doubts exist over the authenticity of radio exchange registers, with the Court suggesting they may have been falsified to conceal failings.

Officers are also accused of failing to properly monitor radars, only checking the screens after the maritime accident occurred.

In a significant development, the report alleges an attempt to cover up the Salvage Master’s failure.

This involved the production, during the hearing, of a revised salvage plan that was backdated to July 29, 2020.

Prior Legal Action and Recommendations

The public release follows earlier legal actions. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had already ordered an inquiry into the matter last September.

The Investigation Court’s report itself was previously submitted to the DPP on September 11, with extensive extracts regarding the NCG’s role sent to the Commissioner of Police for the opening of an inquiry.

Beyond the failures exposed, the document also makes several recommendations for the future. These include calls for:

• Improved maintenance of communication equipment.
• Enhanced training for radar operators.
• Renewal of the tugboat fleet belonging to the Mauritius Port Authority (MPA).

Source: Defi Media