The captain of a Japanese bulker that caused a devastating oil spill off Mauritius has confirmed the vessel was moved closer to shore to pick up an internet signal.
Africa News reported that Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, master of the 203,000-dwt Wakashio (built 2007), told the island's commission of inquiry into the accident that he took the action to keep his crew happy.
"There was no internet on the ship and I agreed to dock in Mauritius so that the crew members could communicate with their relatives as it helps keep the morale of the crew high," the captain reportedly said.
Nandeshwar said the usual distance off Mauritius for the ship was 15 nautical miles (28 km), but on that fateful day in July last year he came closer to 5 nautical miles.
Africa News reported that some seafarers had earlier told the commission that the captain had given them permission to have a birthday party, and that most of them became drunk during the incident.
The Wakashio grounded on 25 July, spilling 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and causing widespread pollution to Mauritius' beaches and coastline.
Panama points the finger
TradeWinds reported in September that the preliminary findings of an investigation by flag state Panama confirmed that the vessel, chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines, diverted because its crew was seeking internet connectivity and a mobile-phone connection to contact families.
The findings of the report were critical because they almost certainly indicated financial liability for the accident will rest with Wakashio's owner, Japan’s Nagashiki Shipping, and its insurers.
The Panama Maritime Authority pointed out that the ship’s master, the chief engineer and first officer were all on the bridge when the diversion took place.
It further added that the Mauritius authorities were "alerted" to the situation.
The report said the officer of the watch had “lost the course of the navigation” and that officers on the bridge had displayed an “excess of confidence”.
