An affected Japanese oil tanker that leaked tons of oil into the Indian Ocean from the island nation of Mauritius split apart on Saturday, scattering remaining fuel in the area.
The Mauritius National Crisis Committee shared photos on MV Wakashio’s social media, saying the boat “split in two” with tugs “already at work.”
“Booms were already placed around the ship and the skimmer boat is also present as precautionary measures,” the group said.
MAURITIUS DRAINS OIL FROM STRIP SHIP, BUT ENVIRONMENT FREE SPEED OF DAMAGE
The Wakashio hit a reef on July 25 and his torso began to crack after days of pounding waves before this weekend finally split.
After being stranded in the water, about 1,000 tons of fuel began to leak on August 6th.
Officials said a plan to tow the ship ashore has been “implemented” and the clean-up operation is ongoing, Sky News reports.
The MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier that recently ran off the southeast coast of Mauritius, can be seen off the coast as Mauritius, Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
(AP Photo / Kooghen Modeliar-Vyapooree-L’express Maurice)
Oil barriers were in place and a skimmer ship was nearby by the time the ship broke apart.
Volunteers take part in the clean-up operation in Mahebourg, Mauritius, on Wednesday 12 August 2020, around the oil spill of the MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier that recently ran aground off the southeast coast of Mauritius.
(AP Photo / Beekash Roopun-L’express Maurice)
Most of the remaining 3,000 tons of fuel was pumped from the ship in the past week, as environmental groups warned that the damage to coral reefs and once pristine coastal areas could be irreversible.
This photo provided by the French Army shows oil leaking from the MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier that sailed off Mauritius’ southeast coast on Tuesday, November 11, 2020.
(Gwendoline Defente, EMAE via AP)
In a statement, the commission said: “Discussions were held on the morning of 15 August 2020, with foreign experts on the action plan for cleaning up affected sites and on the subsequent rehabilitation of the region’s marine and coastal ecosystem.”
MAURITIUS OIL DISASTER: RACE TO DRAIN STICKEN SHIP BEFORE SPLIT HALF
The ship’s leak last month prompted a state to declare an environmental emergency, with the Mauritian government now under pressure to explain why no immediate action was taken to drain the ship of its fuel.
This photo, taken and delivered by Sophie Seneque, shows pun in Riviere des Creoles, Mauritius, Sunday, August 9, 2020, after she leaked from the MV Wakashio.
(Sophie Seneque via AP)
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth blamed the bad weather for the slow response.
Volunteers take part in the cleaning operation in Mahebourg, Mauritius on Wednesday 12 August 2020 for the MV Wakashio oil spill.
(AP Photo / Beekash Roopun-L’express Maurice)
The Mauritanian government is seeking compensation from the owner, Nagashiki Shipping.
This photo provided by the French Army shows oil leaking from the MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier that sailed off Mauritius’ southeast coast on Tuesday, November 11, 2020.
(Gwendoline Defente, EMAE via AP)
The company said that ‘remaining’ quantities of fuel remained on the ship after pumping. It is also being investigated why the ship went off course.
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The ship was intended to remain at least 10 miles offshore.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
