A cook has been arrested in Mauritius after the master of a Meghna Marine supramax was found dead in his cabin.

The Zinfos Moris website reported that the 55,900-dwt Meghna Liberty (built 2014) was diverted to the island while en route from South Africa to India.

It said the body was found on 20 November as the vessel was sailing through St Brandon archipelago, 430 km (267 miles) north-east of Mauritius.

The vessel, which has at least 20 Filipino crew members on board, had left Saldanha on 12 November.

The cook is alleged to have told colleagues he had killed the captain. Blood was observed in the master's cabin, the report said.

The Bangladeshi shipowner was notified and asked the vessel to proceed to the nearest port, which was Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius.

AIS data showed the ship not under command at the terminal on Thursday evening.

Probe begins

An investigation has begun.

Dhaka-based Meghna Marine is part of Meghna Group of Industries (MGI).

MGI was not immediately available for comment, but has been emailed for further information.

The vessel, formerly known as the Loch Shuna, has protection and indemnity cover with Skuld in Norway.

MGI also controls Mercantile Shipping Lines, Meghna Fresh LPG and Unique Cement Industries.

The group has an operational fleet of 54 ships, including LPG carriers, bulkers, product tankers and general cargo ships.

Four 66,000-dwt ultramax bulkers are on order at Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding in China for delivery in 2022 and 2023.