Mumbai Sessions court grants bail to MSC Chitra’s captain (update)

MUMBAI - A Mumbai Sessions court on Wednesday granted bail to the captain of the merchant vessel MSC Chitra, which collided with another cargo ship, resulting in the oil spill off the Mumbai coast.

Captain Mandeleno Ranjit Martin filed an application on Tuesday, saying the collision occurred because of a navigational error caused by radio communication failure.

In his bail plea, Martin stated that the collision was an accident and his custodial interrogation was not required.

“There was no error on Martin’s part; he has been in the industry for 18 years,” said his lawyer Rishi Bhuta.

A case has been registered against the captains and crew of both the vessels under several sections of the IPC and the Environment Act.

Earlier on Sunday, the Yellow Gate Police registered a case against captains of both ships.

They were booked under Sections 280 (rash navigation of vessels), 336 (act endangering life or personnel safety of others) and 427 (mischief causing damage) of the Indian Penal Code and sections of the Environment (Protection) Act. If convicted, they face up to three years in jail and fines of up to Rs five lakh.

Two Panamanian cargo ships - MSC Chitra and MV Khalija-111 - collided off the Mumbai coast, causing an oil spill from one of the vessels on Saturday. (ANI)