Operations to sink the forward part of the ill-fated MV Wakashio were completed in Saturday evening, despite concerns that this plan would severely risk biodiversity in the region.
Authorities confirm that prior to this, all tests had been competed to ensure that there were no toxic or polluting substance on the immersed structure,
…Mauritius’ response command informed.
The Wakashio ran aground on the coral reef on Pointe d’esny off Mauritius, on 25 July, while heading to Brazil from China. Despite initial statements that there were was no oil spill concerns, Mauritius soon declared an environmental emergency with experts noting that the vessel could cause huge damage to the country’s coastal waters and marine wildlife.
Recently, MOL confirmed that the crack inside the hull of MV Wakashio had expanded and the Prime Minister of Mauritius called to prepare for the worst-case oil spill scenario.
Shortly after, the company decided to sink the forward part of the ship at a depth of 3,000 metres, 40 kilometres off the south eastern coast of Mauritius.
Sinking this vessel would risk biodiversity and contaminate the ocean with large quantities of heavy metal toxins, threatening other areas as well, notably the French island of La Réunion. Mauritians had nothing to gain from the MV Wakashio crossing their waters and are now asked to pay the price of this disaster. More pollution further risks their tourist-based economy and fish-based food security,
…stated Happy Khambule, Greenpeace Africa Senior Climate and Energy Campaign Manager, last week.
The aft section of the shipwreck remains on the reef, about one month after the grounding. Pumping operations are ongoing to remove a relatively smaller amount of diesel from the engine room.
Meanwhile, Mauritian authorities have urged the Special Casualty Representative to complete the dismantling of the aft section, consisting of around 8,000 tons of metal, before the cyclonic season starting in November.
Efforts are also ongoing to clean the lagoons and the coastline affected by the spillage. More international and local experts have joined teams already at work.
For the records, the bulk carrier spilled approximately 1.200 tonnes of fuel oil, harming corals, fish and other marine life. The oil spill remains within a range of 10 to 12 kilometres of coastline.
