Company Apologises For Bulk Carrier Causing Environmental Disaster In Mauritius

A Japanese company has apologised after one of its bulk carriers ran aground off the coast of Mauritius and spilled hundreds of tonnes of oil.

The MV Wakashio hit a reef on the southeastern side of the Indian Ocean country in late July and has been spewing oil ever since, coating the sea and coast in a thick, black sludge.

Mitsui OSK Lines Executive Vice President Akihiko Ono said in a statement: "We apologise profusely and deeply for the great trouble we have caused."

PA

He said his company will 'do everything in their power to resolve the issue'. The ship running aground on the reef is being blamed on bad weather on or around July 25.

At present, 1,000 tonnes of oil has been spilled from the bulk carrier, 500 tonnes has been recovered and 2,500 tonnes remains on the ship. Japan is dispatching a six-person team to help the effort to clean up the situation.

Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said the spillage 'represents a danger' to Mauritians and is calling on France to help out.

He said: "Our country doesn't have the skills and expertise to re-float stranded ships, so I asked for help from France and Emmanuel Macron. Bad weather has made it impossible to act, and I worry what could happen on Sunday when the weather deteriorates."

PA

In response, Macron has tweeted to say: "When biodiversity is in peril, it is urgent to act. France is there. Alongside the people of Mauritius. You can count on our support, dear Jugnauth."

Mauritius' environment minister Kavy Ramano has said the state is in an 'environmental crisis'.

The environmental ministry is reported to have said earlier attempts to stabilise the broken ship to pump out the oil hadn't work due to rough seas.

According to Sky News, the boat had been heading from China to Brazil. The ship was empty when it ran aground.

Greenpeace Africa's climate and energy manager Happy Khambule said in a statement: "Thousands of species around the pristine lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d'Esny and Mahebourg are at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius' economy, food security and health."

Police have now opened an inquiry into the spill.

Topics: Environment, News

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie