Republic of Mauritius- MV Wakashio:Site visit effected by President Roopun at the Blue Bay Marine Park

President Roopun also attended the meeting of the National Crisis Committee of the National Emergency Operations Command at the Blue-Bay Fisheries Department.

He expressed concern as regards the oil spill caused by MV Wakashio, adding that the incident is a “great ecological disaster”. He recalled that the situation has deteriorated considerably since last Friday.

The President pointed out that this incident is all the more unfortunate because it comes during the Covid-19 crisis where the mobilisation of experts is disrupted and the weather over the past month has been very capricious. Mr Roopun expressed gratitude to the friendly countries which did not hesitate to mobilise and assist Mauritius.

He also praised the contribution of the Police, the authorities and the hundreds of volunteers who are helping to contain and pump out the oil that has spilled at sea.

For his part, Minister Ramano said that the pumping of fuel oil on board the ship has resumed. He noted that this exercise was disrupted by the unfavourable weather conditions and rough seas. He also pointed out that the first faulty tank on board MV Wakashio has been completely emptied, adding that the other tanks have already been secured. The authorities, he added, will continue with the pumping operations. Mr Ramano indicated that 550 to 600 tonnes of oil have already been pumped from the bulk carrier.

The MV Wakashio ran aground on 25 July on the Pointe d’Esny reef. The bulk carrier was carrying 200 tonnes of diesel and 3,800 tonnes of fuel oil. Last Thursday, the authorities confirmed that a crack in the ship’s hull was leaking fuel oil.