Oil spill in Mauritius: the fear of seeing the ship breaking in the waters

After the oil spill in Mauritius, the fear is now to see the ship break in the water. Sumeet Mudhoo / L'Express Maurice / AFP

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The fight against the oil spill in Mauritius is experiencing a respite. Since Monday evening, the oil leak has been brought under control aboard the Wakashio, the Panamanian-flagged vessel which ran aground at Pointe d'Esny, in the south-east of the island. French and Japanese rescue teams will have to start cleaning the waters and beaches from this Wednesday. But a major risk awaits them. The ship could break down at any time.

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With our special correspondent in Port-Louis, Abdoollah Earally

Experts on the spot agree that there is a great risk of the 300-meter-long ship breaking in two. This could cause a second disaster . Consequently, the emergency services are working to get rid of the petroleum products from the Wakashio .

A risk of worsening of the oil spill

The main reservoir at the origin of these spills and all the misfortunes of the moment was emptied of more than 2,500 tons of remaining oil. The other tanks, which contain 200 tonnes of diesel, present a potential risk of aggravation of the oil spill.

It is already estimated that 1,000 tons of heavy oil have spilled into Mauritian waters. The consequences are visible throughout the area and are gradually degrading other villages on the southeast coast.

To protect them, volunteers have installed cords made of straws, while foreign experts prepare to suck the fuel oil from the sea surface and clean the coastline.

After the French, a United Nations team arrived on Tuesday, August 11, and experts from the Japan Relief Team are expected on Wednesday.

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  • Mauritius
  • Pollution
  • Environment

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