The Beautiful Island of Mauritius has declared a “state of environmental emergency” as a result of oil spill from a Stranded vessel “Mv wakashio”.
The Island of Mauritius with a population of about 1.3 million people rely on tourism and was adversely affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The Massive Bulk carrier “Mv wakashio” had run aground off Pointe d’Eesny- Mauritius on the 25th of July, 2020 while enroute Brazil from China.
The ship was reported to be carrying 3,894 tonnes of low-sulphur fuel oil, 207 tonnes of diesel and 90 tonnes of lube oil, according to an earlier statement from Mauritius’ Minister of the Environment, Kavi Ramano.
The vessel had 20 crew members when it grounded. Ten non-essential crew members were previously transferred from the vessel. Today’s update from the ship owner said all crew members are now being removed. All are reported safe, COVID-19 free, and are isolating to prevent the possible spread of the virus.
Mv Wakashio is owned by Japanese companies; Okiyo Maritime Corporation and Nagashiki Shipping Co. Ltd.
The prime Minister- Pravind Jugnauth announced this development on Friday 07th of August, 2020. The government had appealed to France for help which France had graced a day ago.
Satellite images showed a dark slick spreading in the turquoise waters near environmental areas the government refer to as “very sensitive”.
Tons of oil has leaked into the protected coral reef and wetlands of the Island as a result of cracks on the ships hull.
A video posted online showed the impact of the spillage at shore as a man runs a stick across the black goon the water’s surface.
The Salvaged team contracted, ‘smit salvage’ were evacuated after the cracks in the hull were detected.
Furthermore, some 400 sea boom were deployed in frantic efforts to contain the oil spill from Wakashio.
- Swamp rig “Majestic” capsize near ovhor Delta state, 1 dead, 3 missing
- Maritech Industrial & Management Training Academy
- Nigerian Seafarer in dire need of kidney Transplant
- Seafarer Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- The Maritime and Offshore Award- The OMIS
due to the bad weather and constant pounding over the few days, the starboard side bunker tank of the vessel has been breached and an amount of fuel oil has escaped into the sea”.
Nagashiki Shipping Co. Ltd
It also added; “Nagashiki Shipping takes its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously and will take every effort with partner agencies and contractors to protect the marine environment and prevent further pollution.
Happy Hhambule of Greenpeace Africa’s Climate in a statement buttress the fact that tons of diesel and oil are now leaking into the water.
She further elucidates that thousands of species around the pristine lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny and Mahebourg are at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius’ economy, food security and health.
The Oil spillage will have adverse effect on marine lives in the south region and the locals are already not allowed at their beautiful beaches because of this
Dexter V. Nwabueze
1 Comment