Dead dolphins washed up in Mauritius near the site of an oil spill have so far been wounded on their bodies, but no trace of oil has been released, preliminary autopsy results published on Thursday.
Environmental activists are urgently seeking an explanation for the mysterious deaths of 27 dolphins that washed ashore on Wednesday and Thursday, to determine whether they were killed by the game.
Scientists fear that the poisonous game could harm animals on islands that depend on tourism for many years.
So far, veterinarians have examined only two of the dolphins. Authorities say autopsies will be carried out on the rest.
“Preliminary results show that the animals have no trace of hydrocarbon in their breathing, nor in their skin, throat or stomach,” the report said.
Both dolphins examined have so far shown signs of injuries, it said.
The Japanese MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier, ran aground on July 25 and began spilling oil about a week later. The ship was shot down Monday.
The autopsy over the first two was carried out by the government-run Albion Fisheries Research Center.
“The autopsy will be performed on all other dolphins,” said Jasvin Sok Appadu of the Ministry of Fisheries.
Local environmental group Eco-Sud called for the full autopsy results to be released publicly, while climate watchdog Greenpeace demanded an investigation to determine if the dead were linked to the oil spill.
“Everyone here on the island does not trust this [government] report, “said Sunil Dowarkasing, an independent Mauritius consultant who previously worked for Greenpeace, told DPA news agency.
Dowarkasing said NGOs should be allowed to conduct their autopsies.
“There are some pictures … of some of the dolphins with their mouths full of black,” he said, adding that the government was trying to “downplay all the effects of this oil spill”.
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