Must be on site: skipper in bail plea

The captain of MSC Chitra has sought anticipatory bail on the ground that his presence is necessary during salvage operations.

The captain of MSC Chitra has sought anticipatory bail on the ground that his presence is necessary during salvage operations. Capt Mandeleno Ranjit Martin,38 and a resident of Goa,was present today in the sessions court,where judge N P Dhote granted him interim relief till August 18.

In his application,Martin says he is now assisting international salvage experts from Singapore and Rotterdam. His lawyer argued the salvaging cannot be completed without his physical presence.

The skipper with 18 years experience has claimed the error could not be averted and the captain of MV Khalijia III should be held responsible for the collision. The Yellow Gate police had moved an FIR against both captains.

Of the three sections 280 and 336 of the IPC and 789 of the Environmental (Protection) Act,only the environment one is non-bailable, said Martins lawyer Rishi Bhuta.

The prosecution said it is too early to seek Martins custody. We are still in initial investigations. We will seek his custody when it is essential, said special public prosecutor R V Kini.

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