Black tide in Mauritius

A Japanese bulk carrier, MV Wakashio, struck a reef in the southeastern Indian Ocean state on 25 last July. It is estimated that a thousand tonnes of oil have spilled into the sea since a leak broke out on board. This accident caused an oil spill in Mauritius.

Two weeks after the accident, “all the fuel oil was pumped from the tanks”, announced Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, yesterday Wednesday 12 August 2020.

“It was a race against time and I salute the tremendous work done to avoid another oil spill“, added the Prime Minister, noting that on the few 4 000 tons of hydrocarbons transported by the ship, that threatens to break in half at any time, there were only a hundred tons left on board, in the hold in particular.

Black tide in Mauritius : an ecological disaster

This accident caused oil pollution on the Mauritian coast. Since the end of last week, response teams were busy on the boat, especially with the help of a helicopter, to pump the hydrocarbons still present in the ship's tanks.

On the other hand, The Japanese company that operates the vessel announced that 1 180 tons of fuel oil have already spilled into the waters of Mauritius.

“We confirm that the crack in the hull of the boat widened. Since the vessel is unable to sail autonomously, it is moored to a tugboat. So it won't drift even if it breaks”, said a statement from the company.

This accident now represents an ecological disaster for Mauritius.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time

The Japanese company that operates the boat has also been involved in several accidents, including an oil spill in 2006 in the Indian Ocean.

Indeed, this is not the first in which the Japanese company is implicated. En 2006, the tanker Bright Artemis, that it was exploiting, had been damaged while attempting to rescue the crew of another vessel, causing an estimated amount of crude oil to leak into the Indian Ocean 4 500 tons.

The leak that took place offshore, the party had been taken to let the tablecloth dilute and evaporate, the company considered that it was unlikely that the oil would reach the coasts.

The Mitsui OSK Lines has also been involved in other accidents, including the sinking of one of its container ships in 2013 in the Indian Ocean.

The bulk carrier MV Wakashio, launched in 2007, currently threatens to break in two.

It is owned by the Japanese company Nagashiki, based in Wakayama (West). He had passed his annual inspection without any problems in March, according to the NGO ClassNK.

(Source : France 24 the 12/08/20)

Congratulations to the volunteers for their actions

Several volunteers try to clean up the beaches of Mauritius. And we (Coco Lodge Majunga) congratulate them on their efforts and encourage them to.

Even France has sent about 20 tons of equipment and experts to help them. Let's just hope things get better and the consequences won't be as devastating.

That Mauritius remains what it is : a paradise island !

By Hôtel★★★ Restaurant gourmand Coco Lodge Majunga

We are both :

• one Hôtel★★★,
• one Gourmet restaurant,
• one 4x4 renter with drivers/qualified guides
• one Event organizer (conferences, workshops, wedding, anniversary, …).
• and a Tour operator which organises tours on Majunga and its surroundings.