Two men are facing charges following a fatal maritime accident involving the Hafnia Nile and Ceres I near Pedra Branca on July 19, 2024. The incident resulted in a fire on both vessels, leading to the rescue of 36 crew members. Indian national Soosai Antony Vainer, 35, and Sri Lankan Wickramage Viraj Amila Shavinda Perera, 40, were crew members on the Singapore-registered Hafnia Nile during the accident, which occurred approximately 55 km northeast of Pedra Branca.
Both men are charged under the Merchant Shipping Act for allegedly failing to perform their duties, resulting in significant damage and the death of Mr. Sellakkannu Shanmugasundaram, who was aboard the Ceres I. Another crew member from the Ceres I, Mr. Ge Junfu, sustained serious injuries. Soosai was responsible for lookout duties and is accused of failing to report the approaching Hafnia Nile, while also steering the vessel without directive. Wickramage, the officer in charge of the navigational watch, is charged with not maintaining proper situational awareness and failing to ensure a lookout was kept.
Soosai’s case will be revisited in court on July 23, while Wickramage’s hearing is set for July 30.
