Mauritius has declared an environmental state of emergency due to a wrecked Japanese Ship that is currently spilling oil in the paradise-like waters of the island nation. Authorities say the oil spill is spreading fast in the seawater and has already reached major tourist beaches in Mauritius.
The wrecked Japanese vessel sunk at Pointe d’Esny on the east of Mauritius last month. The location of the spill is critical because it is nearby the Blue Bay Marine Park reserve, which is home to thousands of protected marine plants and animals.
Absolutely shattered by the ecological crisis faced by Mauritius. These pictures of the oil spill, wrecking our most beautiful lagoons, were taken by my friend Eric Villars on his flight to Rodrigues this morning. #mauritius #oilspill #wakashio #bluebay #coralreefs #marinepark pic.twitter.com/DRTLthCZw1
— Priya Hein (@PriyaHein) August 7, 2020
According to local news reports, the damage on the boat has since caused the leakage, polluting waste into the waters. Concerned citizens turned to social media to let the world know of their paradise island’s critical condition by posting photographs that show what seems like thick, sticky oils mixing with the water.
Since Mauritius is an island nation that prides itself on pristine blue waters, tourist beaches, and honeymoon spots, its tourism-dependent economy is also threatened by the oil spill. Not only does tourism in the country took the hardest blow during the past three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the destruction of its natural resources is also an impending loom.
Mauritius Asks Help From French Government
The country’s Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a state of environmental emergency on Friday.
Since Mauritius lies firmly to the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, Jugnauth also appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron for assistance.
Lorsque la biodiversité est en péril, il y a urgence d’agir. La France est là. Aux côtés du peuple mauricien. Vous pouvez compter sur notre soutien cher @PKJugnauth. Nous déployons dès à présent des équipes et du matériel depuis La Réunion. https://t.co/uxoNhAQWfS
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 8, 2020
On his twitter post, the minister called on the neighboring island for assistance. He admitted that Mauritius is not fully skilled in addressing the situation.
According to him, Mauritius ”does not have the skills and expertise to refloat stranded ships.”
The island nations’ environmental prime minister Kavy Ramano also said that the island is truly ”in a state of crisis”.
Meanwhile, the government of French neighboring island Reunion Island has heard their call of help and as of Saturday, local media reports said they had deployed ships, equipment, and a team of experts to assist in the clearing of the wreck.
Greenpeace Africa senior climate and energy campaign manager Happy Khambule expressed his concerns on the effects of the floating diesel on marine wildlife.
He said there are thousands of marine species in the Bay, Pointe d’Esny, and Mahebourg are at risk of drowning of the pollution, and it will also threaten the country’s economy, food security, and health.
Helping Hand
The Reunion Island’s government dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft to Mauritius to help contain the oil spill on Saturday.
The Japanese vessel was identified to be MV Wakashio, which is a cargo vessel. It ran aground two weeks ago, and authorities confirmed that the thick liquid leaking from the wreckage is fuel.
About 4,000 tonnes of fuel from the ship is to be cleaned, and any attempt to stabilize the bulk carrier has failed earlier.
In his twitter post, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his willingness to support Mauritius.
He confirmed that they had deployed specialized equipment to assist in the clearing.
Volunteers are also handing in hand doing what they can in the area according to local media reports.
Macron said that France is there to help and that when biodiversity us at risk, ”there is an urgent need for action.”
He said France would be at the side of the Mauritian people.
Want to visit Mauritius? Learn how here: Mauritius Tourism Page.
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