Mauritius coast hit by oil spill
Authorities in Mauritius have warned of an oil spill along its south-eastern coast following a “breach” on a Panama-flagged ship carrying oil and diesel.
The vessel, MV Wakashio, had reported a “leakage of oil” and its crew had been evacuated, the Ministry of Environment said in a statement.
It ordered the public, including boat operators and fishermen, not to venture to the beach and in the lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny and Mahebourg.
“All highly sensitive areas including the Ramsar site of Pointe d’Esny and the Blue Bay Marine Park have been protected with booms,” the ministry added.
Mauritius is famous for its crystal clear beaches and was a major tourist attraction before the outbreak of coronavirus.
It also has a wide variety of fish and is a major exporter of tuna.
Some experts are already calling the spill a disaster, with major risks of pollution.
The large bulk carrier was carrying 200 tonnes of diesel and 3,800 tonnes of heavy oil.