“Khalijia flouted two basic rules”

An inquiry into the oil spill incident off Mumbai coast last month seems to indicate that MV Khalijia was at fault for violating navigational rules. The Directorate General of Shipping has concluded its investigation and is likely to submit its report in 10 days, a senior police officer who did not wish to be named told The Hindu.

“Khalijia flouted two basis rules. No ship will enter the channel that small unless it is clear. Secondly, even if it enters, it does so at a less threatening degree. This is categorised as a blunder,” the official said.

So far, agencies have sent notices for claims to MSC Chitra, as it is the polluting vessel. If Khalijia is found to be at fault, Chitra would be transferring the claims to Khalijia. Chitra owners have agreed to pay Rs. 3 crore as advance compensation to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for damage control operations.