Mauritius declares a state of environmental emergency after massive oil spill

Mauritius' Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a state of environmental emergency on August 7, 2020 after a shipreck caused massive fuel spill. 

A Japanese-owned ship, which ran aground on July 25, has been leaking tons of oil into the Indian Ocean. The ship is reportedly carrying nearly 4000 tons of fuel oil and 200 tons of diesel on board.

The Mauritius PM made the brief statement by tweeting that Mauritius does not have the skills and expertise to refloat stranded ships, so he has asked for help from France.

Le naufrage du #Wakashio représente un danger pour l'île Maurice. Notre pays n’a pas les compétences et l’expertise pour le renflouage des navires échoués, c’est ainsi que j’ai sollicité l’aide de la #France à @EmmanuelMacron. pic.twitter.com/30m2pQzEy4

— Pravind Jugnauth (@PKJugnauth) August 7, 2020

The photographs of the shipwreck show oil slick spreading through the turquoise waters surrounding the island. Some of the beaches of the Island nation have blackened with the click.

According to Greenpeace, the spill from the bulk carrier would have devastating consequences. Greenpeace Africa climate and energy campaign manager stated that MV Wakashio ran aground around July 25 and is now leaking tons of diesel and oil into the ocean. 

Environmental Impact

The massive oil spill threatens the life of thousands of species around the pristine lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d'Esny and Mahebourg. The species are at a risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, which will have dire consequences for Mauritius' economy, food security and health.

"We are in a situation of environmental crisis".
Kavy Ramano,
Minister of the Environment of #Mauritius pic.twitter.com/xp03LbHrGL

— Ministry of Environment 🌿 (@Environment_MU) August 7, 2020

Emergency Measures

• Booms have been installed to collect the oil near the wreck and others to protect some key sites including Blue Bay Marine Park.

• Help and equipment is being brought in from abroad as Mauritius only has limited equipment in the country to address the oil spill. 

• The freighter, owned by Nagashiki Shipping in Okayama, Japan, was on its way to Brazil from Singapore. All 20 crew members of the vessel are safe and have been placed under quarantine on the island.

• Mauritius’ Ministry of Environment has set up a committee to identify how best to orchestrate the cleanup. The ministry warned the public to stay away from the affected area because of toxic fumes.

What caused the oil spill?

The cause of the oil spill is currently under investigation.