Her Husband and Son Drowned in GRSE in 2016 - Lovena Mungur: "No One Explained What Precautions Should Be Taken on Boats"

Lovena Mungur revisited the tragedy that occurred in Grande-Rivière-Sud-Est in 2016, where her husband and son drowned. She testified at the trial of the skipper accused of involuntary manslaughter due to negligence.

On Monday, Lovena Mungur recounted the maritime tragedy in which her husband, police officer Chetalsing Mungur (30), and their son Navish (7 months) lost their lives in June 2016. She spoke during the trial against skipper Louis Hayward Marie for involuntary manslaughter by negligence in intermediate court.

The skipper pleaded not guilty and is defended by lawyer Me Chetan Baboolall, while the prosecution is represented by Me Bhavna Bhagwan, Senior State Counsel.

Lovena Mungur described that on the day of the tragedy, several families, including her husband’s colleagues, were on an excursion to Île-aux-Cerfs. On the way back, it began to rain. "I felt the boat accelerate. My focus was on my baby, and I couldn’t tell where we were. Suddenly, the boat capsized," she explained. Everyone ended up in the water.

She later learned about the tragic fate of her son and husband. She emphasized, "No one explained what precautions should be taken on boats." She also didn’t know there were life jackets on board.

When asked by lawyer Me Chetan Baboolall about any possible responsibility of Louis Hayward Marie in the capsizing, Lovena Mungur could not comment. She acknowledged that several passengers had consumed alcohol but denied that they were standing and dancing, which would have unbalanced the canoe.

The trial, presided over by magistrate Nithiraj Bisnathsing, was adjourned until June 8, 2026.

For reference, on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, there were 16 people on board the canoe that capsized under unexplained circumstances. Four of them lost their lives: Chetalsing Mungur, his son Navish, police officer Urmila Mewa (25), and Vaibhav Shamloll (4). A judicial investigation was also opened following the accident.