Mumbai oil spill: MV Khalijia captain seeks anticipatory bail

The captain of cargo ship MV Khalijia 111, which collided with another ship MSC Chitra resulting in an oil spill on August 7, has approached the sessions court seeking anticipatory bail.

Laxman Dubey has sought anticipatory bail in a case registered against him and the captain of the other ship for negligence.

The court is likely to hear the bail plea tomorrow.

The captain and crew members of both the vessels were booked under various sections of the IPC and Environment Protection Act including section 280 (Rash navigation of vessel), 336 (endangering life of others) and 427 (mischief causing damage).

Last week, the captain of Chitra, Minguelinho Ranjit Martin had sought anticipatory bail. The court had granted him interim bail till August 18 by when the prosecution would file their reply on the plea.

Dubey in his bail plea has said there was no deliberate negligence or motive in the collision of the two ships and that it was an accident.

Although there was no casualty or injury to anyone, the collision had resulted in a major oil spill off and around the Mumbai coast.

At the time of collision, Chitra was carrying 2662 tonnes of fuel oil.