大象传媒

Mauritius oil spill: Satellite images show removal operation

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Satellite image shows tug boats and Japanese bulk carrier MV WakashioImage source, Maxar Technologies via Reuters
Image caption,

The ship's bow is being towed away from the reef

Satellite images have captured tug boats trying to remove the wreckage of a Japanese-owned ship that ran aground off the coast of Mauritius, spilling tonnes of oil into pristine waters.

The MV Wakashio hit a coral reef, Pointe d'Esny, on 25 July while carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil.

It is now being towed away from the reef, a sanctuary for rare wildlife.

Meanwhile, a team of experts from Japan is travelling to Mauritius to help with the clean-up.

Image source, Maxar Technologies via Reuters
Image caption,

The rear of the ship is still stuck

Most of the oil on board was pumped out before the ship broke apart at the weekend but nearly 1,000 tonnes leaked into the sea causing damage to the rich marine ecosystem.

An environment ministry official in Tokyo said the Japanese team would assess the impact on coral reefs. They will also take with them special materials designed to absorb oil.

Image source, EPA/MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES
Image caption,

The ship has leaked nearly 1,000 tonnes of oil into an area known for its pristine waters and rich biodiversity

"The oil leak from the stranded ship has caused severe damage to the people of Mauritius, the economy of which largely relies on tourism and the beautiful ocean," said Noriaki Sakaguchi, from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

"I am terribly distressed. I would like to assess the situation and provide professional advice so that our contribution as an expert team will meet the demands of local people and the government."

Image source, National Crisis Committee
Image caption,

It is hoped that high tides will speed up the removal of the bow

The operation to remove the bow has so far been hampered by low tides, reports the 大象传媒's Yasine Mohabuth in Port Louis, but it should progress as surrounding waters deepen.

Meanwhile, experts are trying to decide how to remove the rear section of the vessel, which is still aground on the reef.

Image source, EPA/MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES
Image caption,

The ship broke apart at the weekend

The ship's captain, 58-year-old Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, has been arrested over the incident and charged with endangering safe navigation.

Police said crew members had told them there had been a birthday party on the ship the day it ran aground.

Another theory being investigated is that the ship navigated close to the shore in order to pick up WiFi signal.

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