Mauritius arrests captain of Japanese ship that spilled oil

Authorities in Mauritius have arrested the captain of the Japanese ship that ran aground on a coral reef and spilled 1,000 tons of oil on the Indian Ocean island's protected coastline.

Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, captain of the MV Wakashio and who is from India, was charged with “endangering safe navigation” and is in custody pending a bail hearing next week, Police Inspector Sivo Coothen said Tuesday.

The ship's first officer was also charged and is being held, he said.

The Wakasio ran aground a coral reef on July 25 and after being pounded by heavy waves for several days the vessel cracked and started leaking oil on August 6.

The damaged ship spilled more than 1,000 tons of its cargo of 4,000 tons of fuel into the turquoise waters of the Mahebourg Lagoon, one of the island’s most pristine coastal areas.

Most of the remaining 3,000 tons of fuel was pumped off the ship before it split into two, but environmental groups warned that the damage to the surrounding coral reefs could be irreversible.

The Wakashio was meant to stay at least 10 miles (16 kilometres) from shore but it ran aground just a mile from the island.

Owner Nagashiki Shipping is investigating why the ship went off course and it has sent experts to help clean up the damage.

The Mauritius government is seeking compensation from the company.