Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio struck a coral reef in Mauritius on July 25. The ship contained 3,894 metric tons of low-sulphur fuel oil, 207 metric tons of diesel and 90 metric tons of lubricant oil.
The carrier was chartered by Mitsui OSK and is owned by Nagashiki Shipping.
Twelve days after running around, the ship began to leak its contents into the azure waters, endangering the surrounding pristine marine ecosystem and threatening the livelihoods of costal communities.
The threat to species around the Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny and Mahebourg lagoons has been a point of major concern. The domino effect from the loss of biodiversity will affect the island’s tourism, local health and food security.
‘Furthermore, some of the most toxic components of the oil spill can build up as hidden contaminants in marine organisms, through which they can enter into the food-chain. Oil residues accumulate in sediments, especially on shores. The impacts of this oil spill — like any other oil spill — will be felt years after the surface oil has been removed. The people of Mauritius are going to have to live with this devastating reality for decades,’ said environmental group Greenpeace.
‘There is no question that Mitsui OSK and Nagashiki Shipping are jointly the cause of the devastating pollution in Mauritian waters. After the first 12 days of their silence, Mitsui OSK and Nagashiki Shipping apologized for this disaster. For that apology to mean anything, it must be backed up with action. This would require fully applying the “polluter pays” principle, which means the companies pay for all current and future damages,’ the organisation continued.
There have been reports that the Japanese and Mauritian government have entered into negotiations pertaining to payment for damages. The Japanese government has, according to Greenpeace, offered 3.6 billion yen (R564,021,673) to the Mauritian government to compensate local fishing communities who have lost income due to the spill.
Greenpeace has stated that while the financial compensation is welcome, Japanese tax payers should not be liable for the action of the company.
‘Ultimately, those who are responsible for the pollution must pay for the damage that their pollution has caused. Mitsui OSK and Nagashiki Shipping seem to be avoiding their responsibilities.
‘The “polluter pays” principle would require funding, among other things, a fully public independent investigation into the causes and consequences of the oil spill, and a commitment to stop using this shipping route.
‘Most importantly, Mitsui OSK and Nagashiki Shipping should use this disaster as an opportunity to finally break away from fossil fuels and to shift toward sustainable renewable energy. The two companies should give up transporting coal, oil and gas. Specifically Mitsui OSK should end any involvement in oil and gas production, including around LNG,’ said Greenpeace.
Wakashio oil spill: Threat to ecological distaster in Mauritius. SOS international help @Greenpeace @JustinTrudeau @UNAM_Canada @GretaThunberg @wildwarriors pic.twitter.com/9d1eIxQy7S
— Sadna Surroop (@SSurroop) August 10, 2020
Image: Twitter/ @SSurroop
