The prime minister of Mauritius has declared a state of environmental emergency and appealed to France for urgent assistance as oil from a grounded cargo ship spilled unabated into the island nation’s protected waters.
Rough seas have hampered efforts to stop fuel leaking from the bulk carrier MV Wakashio, which ran aground two weeks ago, and is polluting pristine waters in an ecologically critical marine area off the southeast coast.
MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on 25 July and its crew was evacuated.
But the large bulk carrier has since begun leaking tons of fuel into the surrounding waters.
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth announced a “state of environmental emergency” on Friday.
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He also appealed to France and its President, Emmanuel Macron, saying that Mauritius “does not have the skills and expertise to refloat stranded ships”.
The French island of Reunion lies near Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
MV Wakashio is currently lying at Pointe d’Esny, in an area of wetlands near a marine park.
The environment ministry reportedly said attempts to stabilise the vessel and to pump out the oil failed due to rough seas.
“This is the first time that we are faced with a catastrophe of this kind, and we are insufficiently equipped to handle this problem,” Fishing Minister Sudheer Maudhoo said.
Police have opened an inquiry into the spill.
BBC/
