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Maxar / EPA
Satellite images show ship leaking fuel off Mauritius
The island nation of Mauritius declared a “state of environmental emergency” after an offshore ship started spilling oil into the ocean.
MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on July 25, and its crew was evacuated.
But since then, the large bulk carrier has started spilling tons of fuel into the surrounding waters.
France has pledged its support and the ship’s owner said he was working to combat the spill.
Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a state of emergency on Friday night.
He said the nation did not have “the skills and experience to refloat stranded ships” and asked France for help.
The French island of Reunion is located near Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral reefs and tourism is a crucial part of the nation’s economy.
“When biodiversity is in danger, action is urgent,” French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted on Saturday.
“France is there. Together with the people of Mauritius. You can count on our support, dear Jugnauth.”
- Mauritius Country Profile
In a separate statement, the French embassy in Mauritius said that a military plane from Reunion would bring pollution control teams to Mauritius.
Happy Khambule of Greenpeace Africa said that “thousands” of animal species are “at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with serious consequences for the economy, food security and health of Mauritius”.
The ship, owned by a Japanese company but registered in Panama, was empty when it ran aground, but had about 4,000 tons of fuel on board.
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Maxar / EPA
The ship was en route from China to Brazil when it ran aground
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Maxar / Reuters
The ship has about 4,000 tons of fuel on board
MV Wakashio is currently in Pointe d’Esny, in an area of wetlands near a marine park.
In a statement, the ship’s owner, Nagashiki Shipping, said that “due to bad weather and constant knocking over the past few days, the fuel tank on the starboard side of the ship has ruptured and a quantity of fuel has spilled into the sea. “.
“Oil prevention measures have been put in place and an oil boom has unfolded around the ship,” he said.
Nagashiki Shipping added that it “takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and will do everything possible with partner agencies and contractors to protect the marine environment and prevent further pollution.”
Previously, the Environment Ministry reportedly said that attempts to stabilize the ship and pump the oil had failed due to the rough sea.
“This is the first time we have faced such a catastrophe and we are not sufficiently equipped to handle this problem,” said Fisheries Minister Sudheer Maudhoo.
Police have opened an investigation into the spill.
