India sends relief material to neighbouring Mauritius after stranded Japanese ship leaks over 4,000 tonnes of oil into the ocean. By Tanvi Jain
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Earlier on Saturday, MV Wakashio, a Japanese bulk carrier split into two after already leaking tonnes of oil off the Mauritius coast. “At around 4.30 pm, a major detachment of the vessel’s forward section was observed. On the basis of the experts’ advice, the towing plan is being implemented,” the National Crisis Committee of Mauritius said in a statement, further informing that the condition of the ship started deteriorating early on Saturday and by afternoon it split.
Meanwhile, in order to extend a helping hand to its neighbouring country, India sent over 30 tonnes of material including special equipment such as river booms, ocean booms, heli skimmers, disc skimmers, blowers, power packs, oil absorbent graphene pads, salvage barge, etc., via an IAF aircraft.
Together at all times
30 tonnes of specialized equipment &
10-member Technical Response Team from @IndiaCoastGuard arrive in Mauritius from India on board an @IAF_MCC aircraftTo assist in salvage, containment and oil spill clean up operations #SAGAR #IndiaMauritius 🇮🇳🤝🇲🇺 pic.twitter.com/r4SxSt0SA4
— India in Mauritius (@HCI_PortLouis) August 16, 2020
“Together at all times 30 tonnes of specialised equipment & 10-member Technical Response Team from @IndiaCoastGuard arrive in Mauritius from India on board an @IAF_MCC aircraft to assist in salvage, containment and oil spill cleanup operations,” High Commission of India, Port Louis, Mauritius tweeted.
Earlier in July, the 300-metre long vessel owned by M/s Okiyo Maritime Corp./ Nagashiki Shipping Co Ltd (a Japanese company), was en route Brazil with no cargo but 4,000 tonnes of oil on board, when it struck a coral reef at Pointe d’Esny on the south-eastern part of Mauritius, thereby spilling at least 1,000 tonnes of oil.
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The incident that occurred at a spot close to ecologically sensitive reserves and prominent tourist destinations, had such an impact on the marine life that it was termed as the country’s worst ecological disaster by the scientists.
“A state of environmental emergency has been declared,” Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth had tweeted on August 7.
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Greenpeace Africa in an open letter to the company demanding answers to questions regarding the incident, recently mentioned, that thousands of local people have been battling night and day to try to contain the damage the ship has caused to their homelands and livelihoods.
Related: Mauritius Declares Environmental Emergency As Stranded Ship Leaks Oil Into The Sea
