The blame-game between MSC Chitra and MV Khalijia III came to light on Tuesday with the captain of Khalijia alleging negligence on part of Chitra. Laxman Dubey of Khalijia has said in his anticipatory bail application, which was heard on Tuesday, that the collision was “due to the negligence and fault of the Master of the vessel MSC Chitra.”
The court granted Mr. Dubey (50) a day's protection from arrest. It is set to hear the anticipatory bail pleas of the captains of both the ships on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters outside court, Mr. Dubey, who was present in court said: “The vessel [Chitra] was trying to enter my side. It was speeding. When I realised that, I stopped. There was no communication between the two ships and no response from VTMS [Vessel Traffic Management Systems].” When asked about altering to port [turning left], Mr. Dubey denied taking any turn.
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His bail application says: “The applicant [Mr. Dubey] is a qualified Master and has 18 years of experience in the field. He has been falsely implicated in the case.
“His vessel was at a very low speed of approx. Three-five knots [or nautical miles per hour] when he saw outbound vessel MSC Chitra coming at a high speed towards it. He gave a stern movement [to] the engine.”