Following the MV Wakashio sinking a month ago, approximately 40 dead dolphins were found on the coast of Mauritius, growing concern whether the oil spill was to blame, as Reuters reported.
Namely, MV Wakashio ran aground on the coral reef on Pointe d’esny off Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, spilling 1.200 tonnes of fuel oil.
In light of the situation, Greenpeace expressed alarm that the oil leak along with government’s decision to sink the front part of the vessel would risk biodiversity and contaminate the ocean with large quantities of heavy metal toxins.
For the records, these are the first reported deaths of dolphins since the shipwreck, as until now many fish and crabs have been found dead.
What is more, Greenpeaced added that an urgent investigation is needed to determine the cause of the strandings and if they are linked to the spill.
This is a deeply sad and alarming day for the people of Mauritius and for its singular biodiversity, itself known and appreciated by the worldwide biodiversity community. Greenpeace appeals to the authorities to carry out a swift, transparent and public autopsy on the bodies collected.
Happy Khambule, Greenpeace Africa Senior Climate and Energy Campaign Manager, concluded.
