Oil spill in Mauritius: the reservoirs are now empty but the fight continues

The authorities announced this Wednesday evening that the Wakashio tanks were empty. But the risk of an aggravation of the oil spill has not been ruled out. On site, the teams are mobilizing to clean the water. Laura Morosoli / AFP

Text by: Abdoollah Earally

4 min

The Mauritian authorities announced this Wednesday evening that all the Wakashio tanks are now empty. But the risk of an aggravation of the oil spill is not ruled out. 166 tonnes of fuel oil infiltrated various compartments of the ship. Weakened, it could break in two at any time.

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From our correspondent in Port-Louis,

A new race against time is underway. Everyone agrees that the ship is going to break in two . And the cargo of this bulk carrier could spill into the waters of Pointe d'Esny, a magnificent lagoon in the south-east of Mauritius, where the Wakashio is trapped on a coral reef.

On this unstable ship, part of which is pitching and causing an incessant and frightening squeaking, it is still necessary to pump the rest of the fuel oil which has infiltrated various parts of the building. Pumping teams suck it up place by place, to the bottom of the hold. They use skimmers and specialized equipment. At the same time, the rescue teams are preparing to strip, to empty it of all its load before towing.

Pravind Jugnauth, the Prime Minister of Mauritius announces the end of the pumping of the Wakashio reservoirs

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The water is still clear around the ship, when the sea is not rough.

A first assessment of the extent of ecological damage

The Minister of the Environment mentioned a figure on Wednesday: 10.2 kilometers of coastline were polluted to varying degrees. There was no independent review.

A dozen places were soiled by this oil spill. Around 800 tons of hydrocarbons spun in the lagoons of the Southeast . The damage is very visible in Mahebourg, an emblematic village in the South, which was the first port of Mauritius, a historic landmark and an ecological landmark.

All around are nature reserves, the Ile aux Aigrettes, the Mangenie islet, an idyllic place, and not too far away the Blue Bay Marine Park, classified among the most beautiful reserves in the world.

Upset residents

The inhabitants were shocked, upset and revolted. They cried when they saw this black sea, disfigured, distorted.

Mauritians, like islanders around the world, maintain an emotional bond with the sea. And then this sea and the beaches represent the only luxury which is accessible to everyone, from the richest to the poorest.

This pollution has touched the soul of Mauritius.

►Also read: Oil spill in Mauritius: Mitsui OSK Lines has already been involved in several accidents

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  • Mauritius
  • Environment
  • Pollution

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