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Police investigation into grounding ordered

More than five years after the grounding of the 'Wakashio on July 25, 2020, off the coast of Pointe-d'Esny, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Rashid Ahmine, ordered the opening of a police investigation into those responsible for monitoring the vessel before its grounding on Sep 19, 2025. The DPP's office confirmed that it received the full report from the Court of Investigation on Aug 11. After an analysis, the institution believed there was sufficient evidence to open an investigation. The Police Commissioner has been asked to launch the investigation without delay and to keep the DPP informed of its progress. In 2023, only a few excerpts of the report were submitted, with no legal action taken. Until now, only the 'Wakashio's crew had been held responsible. Captain Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar and his first mate were sentenced in 2021 to 20 months in prison for negligence before being repatriated. But the full report now pointed to possible institutional failures, particularly at the level of the National Coast Guard (NCG) and other bodies responsible for maritime safety. According to available information, officers on duty that day are expected to be heard first. The case is expected to be referred to the Central Crime Investigation Department.

DPP has only received certain sections of the report deemed relevant from the Attorney General

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) issued a statement on July 31, clarifying its position regarding the Court of Inquiry's report into the grounding of the 'Wakashio' off Pointe-d'Esny. This clarification came after Minister Arvin Boolell's statement in Parliament. The DPP reiterated that it has only received certain sections of the report deemed relevant from the Attorney General, via the Solicitor General, since Feb 9, 2023. Despite repeated requests in 2023 and 2025, the full report has never been provided to it. Based on the observations and recommendations contained in the submitted section of the report, the DPP sent a letter to the Commissioner of Police on March 13, 2023, requesting that an investigation be initiated to determine whether any offenses had been committed. On July 12, following a parliamentary question (PQ B/707), the Ministry of Agro-Industry requested information from the DPP regarding the follow-up to these recommendations. On July 14, the DPP wrote again to the Commissioner of Police to inquire about the progress of the investigation requested since March 2023. According to information received by the DPP on July 28, the police had made a request to the Ministry of the Blue Economy for the full report. However, as of March 30, this request had remained unanswered. It therefore appears that no investigation was initiated due to lack of access to the full report. Report with photo: https://lexpress.mu/s/le-dpp-na-toujours-pas-le-rapport-complet-de-la-cour-dinvestigation-547915

Fishermen still waiting for compensation

Five years after the 'Wakashio' ended up on the reefs of Pointe-d'Esny on July 25, 2020, the ecological and social wounds have beem remaining open. Fishermen and coastal workers, heavily affected by the oil spill, were still waiting for proper compensations. Temporary aid and partial compensation have been paid by the authorities and the ship's insurer, but these amounts were considered insufficient by the victims. Since then, no significant progress has been reported. More than seven months after an initial questioning in Parliament, MP Tony Apollon was asked whether the report of the commission of inquiry into the disaster will be made public., while the Attorney General's office continues to examine available legal avenues. From August 2020 to March 2021, 999 people (professional fishermen, holders of recreational boat licenses, and street vendors working along the beaches in the area) received 10,200 Mauritian rupees per month, or approximately €191 per month. The funds paid out represent 7% of the sums disbursed by insurers and the government. Following the accident, fishermen have noted a decline in biodiversity. Professionals are seriously considering retraining in the agri-food sector. Fishing is no longer profitable, and in winter, weather conditions do not allow for offshore fishing.