Oil spill in Mauritius: 20 months imprisonment for those responsible for the disaster

On 27 December 2021, the captain of the MW Wakashio, a vessel flying the Panamanian flag, and his second in command were sentenced to 20 months in prison. They had admitted their responsibility in the accident that caused the worst oil spill ever known in Mauritius.

The two crew members of the bulk carrier were however released. They had already spent 16 months in detention and received a reduced sentence for good behavior.

On 25 July 2020, the MW Wakashio ran aground on a reef southeast of Mauritius, releasing 1 000 tons of fuel oil into the sea. Four months after the accident, the Mauritian government estimates the cost of the disaster at 37.8 million USD.

In November 2021, Okiyo Maritime Corp, owner of the MV Wakashio, filed a petition with the Mauritius Supreme Court to limit the amount of the claims to 16.6 million USD.

The Panamanian flag was insured by the Japan P&I Club.