Mauritians band together to help clean oil spill

Posted on 9 August 2020

Mauritians are banding together to help protect the marine ecosystems as much as they can from the oil spill off the southeast coast of the island. Volunteers have been working hard to help contain the spill in the most affected areas.

An oil spill off the southeast coast of Mauritius has been declared a state of environmental emergency. A ship ran aground on a reef near Blue Bay, a marine protected area.

The bulk carrier en route from China to Brazil and became lodged on a reef on July 25. The Mauritian Minister of Environment, Kavydass Ramano, said that the ship contained 3894 metric tons of low-sulphur fuel oil, 207 metric tons of diesel and 90 metric tons of lubricant oil.

The oil is leaking from the cracked hull and Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth declared a state of environmental emergency.

‘Thousands of species around the pristine lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny and Mahebourg are at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius’ economy, food security and health,’ Happy Khambule from Greenpeace said in a statement.

Residents have reportedly been trying to help by creating makeshift oil spill barriers by filling fabric sacks with sugar cane leaves.

In a statement, the Mauritian Wildlife Fund said: ‘We have been overwhelmed by the offers of assistance following the dreadful news that oil was spilling from Wakashio, thank you so very much indeed. It is really useful to know what everyone is able to provide from their help to equipment and funds. We are keeping a register, will plan to keep in touch with you all and let you know where things stand and how you can help.’

Image credit: Twitter @jayrachetmc

 




yoast-primary - 1004431
tcat - Travel news
tcat_slug - travel-news
tcat2 - Travel news
tcat2_slug - travel-news
tcat_final -