Mauritius oil: Satellite imagery shows removal

Satellite images have captured tugboats trying to remove the wreckage from a Japanese-owned ship that ran aground off the coast of Mauritius, and dumped tons of oil in independent waters.

The MV Wakashio struck a coral reef, Pointe d’Esny, on July 25 while carrying 4,000 tons of fuel oil.

It is now being dragged from the reef, a sanctuary for rare wildlife.

Meanwhile, a team of experts from Japan is on a trip to Mauritius to help with the driveway.

Most of the oil on board was pumped out before the ship broke apart over the weekend, but nearly 1,000 tons leaked into the sea causing damage to the rich marine ecosystem.

• Why Mauritius’ oil spill is so serious
• Why do oil spills happen?

An official from the Tokyo Ministry of the Environment said the Japanese team would assess the impact on coral reefs. They will also carry special materials designed to absorb oil.

“The oil spill from the beach ship has caused severe damage to the people of Mauritius, its economy is largely dependent on tourism and the beautiful ocean,” said Noriaki Sakaguchi, of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

“I am terribly apprehensive. I want to assess the situation and provide professional advice so that our contribution as an expert team will meet the requirements of local people and the government.”

Operation to remove the arch has so far been hampered by low tide, reports the BBC’s Yasine Mohabuth in Port Louis, but it should move forward as surrounding waters deepen.

Meanwhile, experts are trying to decide how to remove the stern section of the ship, which is still attached to the reef.

The ship’s captain, 58-year-old Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, has been arrested over the incident and accused of threatening safe navigation.

Police said crew members told them there had been a birthday party on the ship the day it ran aground.

Another theory being investigated is that the ship navigated near the shore to pick up WiFi signal.

All images are subject to copyright.