Oil Spill in the Indian Ocean

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Oil Spill in the Indian Ocean

Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean known for pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs, clear blue waters and sparkling lagoons. The population of 1.27 million people (as of 2018) depends heavily on tourism for income- which has abruptly decreased because of the travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But on July 25th. 2020, that changed as the MV Wakashio, operated by Mitsui OSK Lines struck the reef on the southeastern edge of Mauritius. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared an environmental emergency on Friday, August 7th. The ship- a bulk carrier- was carrying approximately 4000 tonnes of fuel oil when it struck aground. About 1000 tonnes of oil are said to be released into the waters. Around 500 tonnes are said to have been removed from the ship, yet 2500 tonnes of fuel oil remain leaking from the cracking ship, and could worsen the devastation of the ecological disaster. 

Locals and volunteers are scrambling to create makeshift barriers out of hay, straw, and fabric. These barriers are absorbent, and are made by stuffing straw into large fabric sacks. Others have been attempting to clean up the beaches and helicopters have been deployed to try and move some of the diesel off the ship. 

The ship company could not confirm the cost of damages from the spill. 

Ecologists fear that this will be the biggest environmental disaster that Mauritius has seen, and the impact threatens and endangers marine life on the reefs and in the oceans. Satellite images released over the past week have shown a thick, black oil slick spreading over crystal-clear turquoise waters around the vessel. Some oil has even reached the shores and beaches. Years of painstaking conservation and preservation work are at risk, due to the fuel oil coating mangroves and natural inlets. 

France promised aid in the form of specialist teams and pollution-control equipment from the nearby island of Reunion, and Japan is sending a six-member team to advise on the containment and control of the spill. 

See a video of the damage here. 

How can you help?

Check out the Sov Nou Lagon Carrd. They have places to donate and useful links:

Oil Spill Mauritius

Written by Nikita.