At least 40 dolphins have mysteriously died in an area of Mauritius affected by an oil spill from a Japanese boat, officials and witnesses said on Friday, as a witness described the moment one mother dolphin died in front of him.

Residents who had ventured out in a boat alerted Reuben Pillay to a mother dolphin swimming around her dying baby. He sped off to try to find them; the baby had died by the time he arrived, he said, but the mother initially looked normal.

"But in a few minutes she went on her side, one fin in the water, and one out of the water and then she started flapping her tail really really rapidly," said Pillay, a professional drone operator and environmentalist who is providing video to Reuters.

"She swam in circles in front of the boat, she moved her tail very violently and after about five minutes she just stopped moving, and she sunk ... We heard cries, I thought it was a woman on the boat - but they told me, no - it was the dolphin."

As they watched, the mother stopped moving and eventually slowly sank, tail first, beneath the waves. The body of the baby floated on the surface.

"We didn't know what to do. It was heartwrenching," he said.

Earlier in the day, Jasvin Sok Appadu from the Mauritius fisheries ministry told Reuters that 38 carcasses had washed up on the beaches so far.

Autopsy results on 25 dolphins that washed ashore Wednesday and Thursday are expected in the coming days, he said.

So far veterinarians have examined only two of the dolphins, which bore signs of injury but no trace of hydrocarbons in their bodies, according to preliminary autopsy results. The autopsy on the first two was conducted by the government-run Albion Fisheries Research Centre.

The dolphins have been dying in an area affected by an oil spill caused when a Japanese ship, the MV Wakashio, struck a coral reef last month. The ship was scuttled on Monday.

On Thursday, Greenpeace called on the government of Mauritius to launch an "urgent investigation to determine the cause of the deaths and any ties to the Wakashio oil spill".

At least 40 dolphins have mysteriously died in an area of Mauritius affected by an oil spill from a Japanese boat, officials and witnesses said on Friday, as a witness described the moment one mother dolphin died in front of him.

At least 40 dolphins have mysteriously died in an area of Mauritius affected by an oil spill from a Japanese boat, officials and witnesses said on Friday, as a witness described the moment one mother dolphin died in front of him. Residents who had ventured out in a boat alerted Reuben Pillay to a mother dolphin swimming around her dying baby. He sped off to try to find them; the baby had died by the time he arrived, he said, but the mother initially looked normal. "But in a few minutes she went on her side, one fin in the water, and one out of the water and then she started flapping her tail really really rapidly," said Pillay, a professional drone operator and environmentalist who is providing video to Reuters. "She swam in circles in front of the boat, she moved her tail very violently and after about five minutes she just stopped moving, and she sunk ... We heard cries, I thought it was a woman on the boat - but they told me, no - it was the dolphin." As they watched, the mother stopped moving and eventually slowly sank, tail first, beneath the waves. The body of the baby floated on the surface. "We didn't know what to do. It was heartwrenching," he said. Earlier in the day, Jasvin Sok Appadu from the Mauritius fisheries ministry told Reuters that 38 carcasses had washed up on the beaches so far. Autopsy results on 25 dolphins that washed ashore Wednesday and Thursday are expected in the coming days, he said. So far veterinarians have examined only two of the dolphins, which bore signs of injury but no trace of hydrocarbons in their bodies, according to preliminary autopsy results. The autopsy on the first two was conducted by the government-run Albion Fisheries Research Centre. The dolphins have been dying in an area affected by an oil spill caused when a Japanese ship, the MV Wakashio, struck a coral reef last month. The ship was scuttled on Monday. On Thursday, Greenpeace called on the government of Mauritius to launch an "urgent investigation to determine the cause of the deaths and any ties to the Wakashio oil spill".

At least 40 dolphins die in area hit by Mauritius oil spill

Eighteen melon-headed whales washed up on the shores of Mauritius on Wednesday, the country's fisheries minister said, dismissing any link to a devastating oil spill earlier this month.

The dolphins, some of which were still alive when they were found and later died, were stranded on the south-eastern beaches of Grand Sable, and some of them had injuries.

Fisheries minister Sudheer Maudhoo told a press conference that all 18 of the whales, a member of the&nbsp;dolphin&nbsp;family, had died, but that there was "no trace of hydrocarbons on them or in their respiratory system".

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/images-show-the-extent-of-ecological-damage-caused-by-oil-spill-off-mauritian-coast-319374">Images show the extent of ecological damage caused by oil spill off Mauritian coast</a>

An autopsy of the animals was being carried out on Wednesday evening. According&nbsp;Preetam Daumoo, a local government official said&nbsp;that he, like many residents who found the bodies, feared the stranding was a result of the island's recent oil spill.

Earlier this month a Japanese-owned bulk carrier ran aground on a coral reef around 10 kilometres&nbsp;from Grand Sable, spilling over 1,000 tonnes of fuel into the pristine waters.

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The broken stem of the vessel was sunk in the open ocean on Monday.&nbsp;However, experts said it was too soon to say what had caused the deaths of the animals.

Owen Griffiths of the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society said&nbsp;"it is probably a very unfortunate coincidence", referring to a similar stranding in 2005 when 70 melon-headed whales stranded in the same area.

"Likely they followed a school of fish into the lagoon, got confused, could not find their way out to sea again and tried to head out to sea directly over the coral reef instead of finding the pass. In their panic and stress they collided with corals, became exhausted and died," he said.

"At this stage we have no idea of cause of death. An autopsy with stomach content analysis and lung examination, to look for oil traces, needs to be done."

Greenpeace called in a statement for an "urgent investigation" into the cause of the strandings.

Authorities and experts from Japan and Britain are still investigating the true extent of the ecological damage to an island whose economy depends heavily on tourism.

Initial reports suggest no major damage to the ocean floor or coral reef, however the remaining wreck is still grinding against the reef where it ran aground.

"If this situation continues, it could cause stress to the corals and could kill them," said Noriaki Sakaguchi, an ecosystems expert with Japan International Cooperation Agency.&nbsp;

The team of Japanese experts said Tuesday that the spilled oil has also reached the soft soil of mangrove forests along the coastline.

While there is no evidence of mangrove death yet, the oil could kill plants in the protected area in coming months, the team warned.&nbsp;

Eighteen melon-headed whales washed up on the shores of Mauritius on Wednesday, the country's fisheries minister said, dismissing any link to a devastating oil spill earlier this month.

Eighteen melon-headed whales washed up on the shores of Mauritius on Wednesday, the country's fisheries minister said, dismissing any link to a devastating oil spill earlier this month. The dolphins, some of which were still alive when they were found and later died, were stranded on the south-eastern beaches of Grand Sable, and some of them had injuries. Fisheries minister Sudheer Maudhoo told a press conference that all 18 of the whales, a member of the dolphin family, had died, but that there was "no trace of hydrocarbons on them or in their respiratory system". Also see: Images show the extent of ecological damage caused by oil spill off Mauritian coast An autopsy of the animals was being carried out on Wednesday evening. According Preetam Daumoo, a local government official said that he, like many residents who found the bodies, feared the stranding was a result of the island's recent oil spill. Earlier this month a Japanese-owned bulk carrier ran aground on a coral reef around 10 kilometres from Grand Sable, spilling over 1,000 tonnes of fuel into the pristine waters. The broken stem of the vessel was sunk in the open ocean on Monday. However, experts said it was too soon to say what had caused the deaths of the animals. Owen Griffiths of the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society said "it is probably a very unfortunate coincidence", referring to a similar stranding in 2005 when 70 melon-headed whales stranded in the same area. "Likely they followed a school of fish into the lagoon, got confused, could not find their way out to sea again and tried to head out to sea directly over the coral reef instead of finding the pass. In their panic and stress they collided with corals, became exhausted and died," he said. "At this stage we have no idea of cause of death. An autopsy with stomach content analysis and lung examination, to look for oil traces, needs to be done." Greenpeace called in a statement for an "urgent investigation" into the cause of the strandings. Authorities and experts from Japan and Britain are still investigating the true extent of the ecological damage to an island whose economy depends heavily on tourism. Initial reports suggest no major damage to the ocean floor or coral reef, however the remaining wreck is still grinding against the reef where it ran aground. "If this situation continues, it could cause stress to the corals and could kill them," said Noriaki Sakaguchi, an ecosystems expert with Japan International Cooperation Agency. The team of Japanese experts said Tuesday that the spilled oil has also reached the soft soil of mangrove forests along the coastline. While there is no evidence of mangrove death yet, the oil could kill plants in the protected area in coming months, the team warned.

18 dead dolphins wash up on Mauritius coast after oil spill by Japanese ships

Japan's expert team on Sunday (August 23) evening published a video showing coral reefs in the area of an oil spill from a Japanese bulk carrier that ran around off Mauritius.

Japanese experts check Mauritius coral reef after oil spill

Mauritian authorities on Tuesday arrested the Indian captain of a Japanese-owned shipwrecked off the island nation's coast, spewing tonnes of oil into pristine waters, police said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-india-rushes-aid-to-mauritius-oil-spill-causes-poisonous-shock-to-marine-life-321317">Also read | As India rushes aid to Mauritius, oil spill causes 'poisonous shock' to marine life</a> 
 
The MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and began oozing oil more than a week later, spilling more than 1,000 tonnes into blue waters popular among honeymooners and tourists.

Officials have yet to reveal why the ship, which was making its way from Singapore to Brazil, had come so close to the island, which is now reeling from ecological disaster.

"We arrested the captain and his second-in-command today. They were taken to court on a provisionary charge. The investigation continues from tomorrow with the interrogation of other crew members," said spokesman Inspector Shiva Coothen.

The captain, an Indian citizen, and his deputy, who is Sri Lankan, were charged under the piracy and maritime violence act and will reappear in court on August 25.

Salvage crews managed to pump some 3,000 tonnes of fuel off the bulk carrier before it split in two on Sunday, preventing a much larger environmental catastrophe.

On Tuesday they began towing the larger of the two pieces of the Wakashio out into the open ocean where it is to be sunk. The part containing the engine room remains wedged on the coral reef.

‘Delicate operation'

"We are engaged in a delicate operation," maritime operations director Alain Donat told AFP.

"We want to take advantage of high tide to pull it little by little. This part of the boat is 225 metres long and 50 metres wide."

He said the vessel would be tugged almost 15 kilometres (nine miles) away from the coral reef and sunk.

The decision to sink the boat was taken on Monday in consultation with French experts who have been sent to assist Mauritius.

"Since oil has been largely removed and the amount of the remaining oil is small, the impact of the operation on the environment is expected to be limited," said an official from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, part of a team that is also helping Mauritius in the wake of the disaster.

Japan announced Monday it was sending a second team of seven experts to help clean up the spill, after sending the first team of six people.

The new team, which departs Wednesday, will bring special oil-absorbent materials donated by a Tokyo-based company.

"We want to help local people who are struggling to remove oil," said Yuki Takenoshita of M-TechX, which developed the material made of polypropylene which can absorb 1,200 litres of oil.

Mauritian authorities on Tuesday arrested the Indian captain of a Japanese-owned shipwrecked off the island nation's coast, spewing tonnes of oil into pristine waters, police said.

Mauritian authorities on Tuesday arrested the Indian captain of a Japanese-owned shipwrecked off the island nation's coast, spewing tonnes of oil into pristine waters, police said. Also read | As India rushes aid to Mauritius, oil spill causes 'poisonous shock' to marine life The MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and began oozing oil more than a week later, spilling more than 1,000 tonnes into blue waters popular among honeymooners and tourists. Officials have yet to reveal why the ship, which was making its way from Singapore to Brazil, had come so close to the island, which is now reeling from ecological disaster. "We arrested the captain and his second-in-command today. They were taken to court on a provisionary charge. The investigation continues from tomorrow with the interrogation of other crew members," said spokesman Inspector Shiva Coothen. The captain, an Indian citizen, and his deputy, who is Sri Lankan, were charged under the piracy and maritime violence act and will reappear in court on August 25. Salvage crews managed to pump some 3,000 tonnes of fuel off the bulk carrier before it split in two on Sunday, preventing a much larger environmental catastrophe. On Tuesday they began towing the larger of the two pieces of the Wakashio out into the open ocean where it is to be sunk. The part containing the engine room remains wedged on the coral reef. ‘Delicate operation' "We are engaged in a delicate operation," maritime operations director Alain Donat told AFP. "We want to take advantage of high tide to pull it little by little. This part of the boat is 225 metres long and 50 metres wide." He said the vessel would be tugged almost 15 kilometres (nine miles) away from the coral reef and sunk. The decision to sink the boat was taken on Monday in consultation with French experts who have been sent to assist Mauritius. "Since oil has been largely removed and the amount of the remaining oil is small, the impact of the operation on the environment is expected to be limited," said an official from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, part of a team that is also helping Mauritius in the wake of the disaster. Japan announced Monday it was sending a second team of seven experts to help clean up the spill, after sending the first team of six people. The new team, which departs Wednesday, will bring special oil-absorbent materials donated by a Tokyo-based company. "We want to help local people who are struggling to remove oil," said Yuki Takenoshita of M-TechX, which developed the material made of polypropylene which can absorb 1,200 litres of oil.

Mauritius arrests Indian captain, deputy of oil-spill ship

Police on Mauritius have arrested Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, the captain of the Japanese carrier that ran aground off the coast last month, spilling 1,000 metric tonnes of oil and causing possible irreparable damage to coral reefs.

Mauritius Oil Spill | Indian Captain of Japanese ship arrested by Mauritius

The Japanese cargo ship leaking off the Mauritian coast has split apart. While India has rushed emergency support to control the oil spill, scientists say&nbsp;the spill has caused "massive poisonous shock to the system".

For Mauritius, where tourism and fishing are mainstays of the economy, the damage will have a lasting impact.

The tanker MV Wakashio had more than 4,000 tonnes of oil. More than 1,200 tonnes has already leaked into the sea. The rest is being pumped out by rescue teams and volunteers. The disaster is unprecedented for Mauritius.

The country reached out to India for help. New Delhi dispatched over 30 tonnes of technical equipment and a 10-member response team.&nbsp;India's Dhruv advanced light helicopter has also been deployed as&nbsp;satellite images show contamination spreading further.

However, the full impact of the spill is still unclear.

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The oil has reached the blue bay marine park and other delicate zones. These unique wetlands are recognised for diverse coral reefs, fish and endangered green turtle. Another species endemic to the island is the pink pigeon. Also at risk is the seagrass in the shallow waters and the precious mangroves corralling the coastline.

The ecological impact of an oil spill depends on its location. Deep sea spills are limited and cleared up more easily. Oil slicks near the coastline like in Mauritius are more difficult to tackle. They can take a year to be cleared away by wave action.

Coral reefs are highly sensitive to oil pollution. Regeneration can take up to a decade and pollution in mangroves can last more than 20 years.

While the ship's operator, Nagasaki shipping has offered to pay compensation, the damage caused to the pristine waters of Mauritius is irreparable.

The Japanese cargo ship leaking off the Mauritian coast has split apart. While India has rushed emergency support to control the oil spill, scientists say the spill has caused "massive poisonous shock to the system".

The Japanese cargo ship leaking off the Mauritian coast has split apart. While India has rushed emergency support to control the oil spill, scientists say the spill has caused "massive poisonous shock to the system". For Mauritius, where tourism and fishing are mainstays of the economy, the damage will have a lasting impact. The tanker MV Wakashio had more than 4,000 tonnes of oil. More than 1,200 tonnes has already leaked into the sea. The rest is being pumped out by rescue teams and volunteers. The disaster is unprecedented for Mauritius. The country reached out to India for help. New Delhi dispatched over 30 tonnes of technical equipment and a 10-member response team. India's Dhruv advanced light helicopter has also been deployed as satellite images show contamination spreading further. However, the full impact of the spill is still unclear. The oil has reached the blue bay marine park and other delicate zones. These unique wetlands are recognised for diverse coral reefs, fish and endangered green turtle. Another species endemic to the island is the pink pigeon. Also at risk is the seagrass in the shallow waters and the precious mangroves corralling the coastline. The ecological impact of an oil spill depends on its location. Deep sea spills are limited and cleared up more easily. Oil slicks near the coastline like in Mauritius are more difficult to tackle. They can take a year to be cleared away by wave action. Coral reefs are highly sensitive to oil pollution. Regeneration can take up to a decade and pollution in mangroves can last more than 20 years. While the ship's operator, Nagasaki shipping has offered to pay compensation, the damage caused to the pristine waters of Mauritius is irreparable.

As India rushes aid to Mauritius, oil spill causes 'poisonous shock' to marine life

India has dispatched over 30 tonnes of technical equipment and material on board an Indian Air Force (IAF) Aircraft to Mauritius to help the island nation deal with the oil spill. Watch report.

India acts under oil spill disaster contingency plan: Sends help to Mauritius

France has decided to send more experts to Mauritius to examine and decide the fate of the Japanese ship that leaked oil into waters off the coast of the Indian Ocean island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-deploys-teams-to-mauritius-as-oil-spill-disaster-worsens-319105">Also read:&nbsp;France deploys teams to Mauritius as oil spill disaster worsens</a>

France has already extended its help by sending its military planes, ships and equipment to help and contain oil spills from reaching the French island of La Reunion southwest of Mauritius.

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According to Minister for France's overseas territories Sebastien Lecornu's interview to Franceinfo, the European country is sending three additional experts that will be tasked to help the Mauritian government on what to do with the wreck that split in two.&nbsp;

France was in favour of an "environmental approach and protection of biodiversity, and particularly the coast of La Reunion," he said.

Possibilities include sinking part of the ship in the open sea, which "is clearly not our preferred solution", or to tow the wreck elsewhere and destroy it, which would require "more time", the minister said.

The Japanese vessel struck a coral reef on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and endangering corals, fish and other marine life in what some scientists have called the country`s worst ecological disaster.

France has decided to send more experts to Mauritius to examine and decide the fate of the Japanese ship that leaked oil into waters off the coast of the Indian Ocean island.

France has decided to send more experts to Mauritius to examine and decide the fate of the Japanese ship that leaked oil into waters off the coast of the Indian Ocean island. Also read: France deploys teams to Mauritius as oil spill disaster worsens France has already extended its help by sending its military planes, ships and equipment to help and contain oil spills from reaching the French island of La Reunion southwest of Mauritius. × According to Minister for France's overseas territories Sebastien Lecornu's interview to Franceinfo, the European country is sending three additional experts that will be tasked to help the Mauritian government on what to do with the wreck that split in two. France was in favour of an "environmental approach and protection of biodiversity, and particularly the coast of La Reunion," he said. Possibilities include sinking part of the ship in the open sea, which "is clearly not our preferred solution", or to tow the wreck elsewhere and destroy it, which would require "more time", the minister said. The Japanese vessel struck a coral reef on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and endangering corals, fish and other marine life in what some scientists have called the country`s worst ecological disaster.

France sends experts to help Mauritian government with wreck

A Japanese bulk carrier that ran aground on a reef in Mauritius last month threatening a marine ecological disaster around the Indian Ocean island has broken apart, authorities said on Saturday.

The condition of the MV Wakashio was worsening early on Saturday and it split by the afternoon, the Mauritius National Crisis Committee said.

"At around 4.30pm, a major detachment of the vessel`s forward section was observed," it said in a statement. "On the basis of the experts` advice, the towing plan is being implemented."

The vessel struck a coral reef on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and endangering corals, fish and other marine life in what some scientists have called the country`s worst ecological disaster.

On Friday, some residual oil from the ship leaked into the ocean, Mauritius Marine Conservation Society President Jacqueline Sauzier told Reuters on Saturday morning.

Authorities deployed booms on Saturday to help with oil absorption around the vessel.

The Crisis Committee said special attention was being given to sensitive sites such as the Blue Bay Marine Park, Ile aux Aigrettes and the Pointe D`Esny National Ramsar Site.

The weather is expected to deteriorate over the next few days with waves of up to 4.5 metres (15 feet), authorities said.

Most of the oil from the vessels have been pumped out, the Mauritian government said on Thursday, but there was still 166 tonnes of fuel oil inside and authorities were working to remove it.

Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Saturday Tokyo planned to send a team of officials from the ministry and other specialists to assess the damage. The MV Wakashio is owned by Japan`s Nagashiki Shipping and chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines.

Scientists say the full impact of the spill is still unfolding, but the damage could affect Mauritius and its tourism-dependent economy for decades.

Removing the ship is likely to take months. Former colonial power France has said it will assist with the cleanup.

A Japanese bulk carrier that ran aground on a reef in Mauritius last month threatening a marine ecological disaster around the Indian Ocean island has broken apart, authorities said on Saturday.

A Japanese bulk carrier that ran aground on a reef in Mauritius last month threatening a marine ecological disaster around the Indian Ocean island has broken apart, authorities said on Saturday. The condition of the MV Wakashio was worsening early on Saturday and it split by the afternoon, the Mauritius National Crisis Committee said. "At around 4.30pm, a major detachment of the vessel`s forward section was observed," it said in a statement. "On the basis of the experts` advice, the towing plan is being implemented." The vessel struck a coral reef on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and endangering corals, fish and other marine life in what some scientists have called the country`s worst ecological disaster. On Friday, some residual oil from the ship leaked into the ocean, Mauritius Marine Conservation Society President Jacqueline Sauzier told Reuters on Saturday morning. Authorities deployed booms on Saturday to help with oil absorption around the vessel. The Crisis Committee said special attention was being given to sensitive sites such as the Blue Bay Marine Park, Ile aux Aigrettes and the Pointe D`Esny National Ramsar Site. The weather is expected to deteriorate over the next few days with waves of up to 4.5 metres (15 feet), authorities said. Most of the oil from the vessels have been pumped out, the Mauritian government said on Thursday, but there was still 166 tonnes of fuel oil inside and authorities were working to remove it. Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Saturday Tokyo planned to send a team of officials from the ministry and other specialists to assess the damage. The MV Wakashio is owned by Japan`s Nagashiki Shipping and chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines. Scientists say the full impact of the spill is still unfolding, but the damage could affect Mauritius and its tourism-dependent economy for decades. Removing the ship is likely to take months. Former colonial power France has said it will assist with the cleanup.

Japanese ship involved in Mauritius oil spill breaks apart

India sends assistance to Mauritius to contain the oil spill on its south-east coast and to deal with the environmental crisis arising off it, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Sunday (August 16, 2020).

India sends 30 tonnes of technical equipment as assistance to Mauritius to contain oil spill

A ship that has leaked tons of oil off the coast of Mauritius has split apart, authorities said on Saturday.

Why the Mauritius oil spill is threatening | MV Wakashio | Climate Change | Aquatic ecosystem

A ship that has leaked more than 1,000 tonnes of oil in pristine waters off the Mauritius coast appeared to be breaking apart Saturday.

The Japanese-owned MV Wakashio struck the reef on July 25 and began oozing oil one week later, threatening a protected marine park boasting mangrove forests and endangered species.

Mauritius declared an environmental emergency last week, and salvage crews raced against the clock to pump the remaining 3,000 tonnes of oil off the ship.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-send-team-of-ministry-officials-specialists-to-mauritius-to-assist-in-oil-spill-320803" hreflang="en">Mauritius oil spill: Japan to send team of ministry officials, specialists</a>

As of Saturday about 90 tonnes of oil remained on board, much of it residue from the leakage.

Early Saturday morning the salvage team warned that the ship's condition "was worsening and it could break at any time", a crisis committee formed in response to the spill, said.&nbsp;

"Indeed, on the same day at around 4.30pm, a major detachment of the vessel's forward section was observed," it added.&nbsp;

Images taken Saturday showed the MK Wakashio close to splitting completely in half, though the two pieces were still partially attached.&nbsp;

Coast guard vessels were being positioned near the vessel and the deployment of booms to absorb oil was "strengthened" to prepare for the ship eventually breaking apart, the crisis committee statement said.&nbsp;

"Skimmers are on stand-by mode near the vessel and will intervene as and when required," it said, adding that weather was expected to "worsen over the coming days with waves reaching a maximum height of 4.5 metres".&nbsp;

The Mauritian government has come under fire,&nbsp;&nbsp;including from opposition leaders,&nbsp;for doing too little in the week after the ship ran aground.&nbsp;

In a statement Friday night, the government said it would seek compensation from "the owner and the insurer" of the ship for "all losses and damages" caused by the spill as well as for costs related to the clean-up.&nbsp;

Japanese firm Nagashiki, the owner, has pledged to "sincerely" respond to requests for compensation over damage to the marine environment.&nbsp;

France and Japan have responded to Mauritius' call for help with clean-up operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So far more than 800 tonnes of oil liquid waste and more than 300 tonnes of solid waste sludge and debris has been removed from the ocean.&nbsp;

Thousands of Mauritians have volunteered day and night to clean the powder-blue waters that have long been a favourite among honeymooners and tourists.&nbsp;

The spill is both an ecological and economic disaster for Mauritius, which relies heavily on tourism.

A ship that has leaked more than 1,000 tonnes of oil in pristine waters off the Mauritius coast appeared to be breaking apart Saturday. The Japanese-owned MV Wakashio struck the reef on July 25 and began oozing oil one week later, threatening a protected marine park boasting mangrove forests and endangered species.

A ship that has leaked more than 1,000 tonnes of oil in pristine waters off the Mauritius coast appeared to be breaking apart Saturday. The Japanese-owned MV Wakashio struck the reef on July 25 and began oozing oil one week later, threatening a protected marine park boasting mangrove forests and endangered species. Mauritius declared an environmental emergency last week, and salvage crews raced against the clock to pump the remaining 3,000 tonnes of oil off the ship. Also read: Mauritius oil spill: Japan to send team of ministry officials, specialists As of Saturday about 90 tonnes of oil remained on board, much of it residue from the leakage. Early Saturday morning the salvage team warned that the ship's condition "was worsening and it could break at any time", a crisis committee formed in response to the spill, said. "Indeed, on the same day at around 4.30pm, a major detachment of the vessel's forward section was observed," it added. Images taken Saturday showed the MK Wakashio close to splitting completely in half, though the two pieces were still partially attached. Coast guard vessels were being positioned near the vessel and the deployment of booms to absorb oil was "strengthened" to prepare for the ship eventually breaking apart, the crisis committee statement said. "Skimmers are on stand-by mode near the vessel and will intervene as and when required," it said, adding that weather was expected to "worsen over the coming days with waves reaching a maximum height of 4.5 metres". The Mauritian government has come under fire, including from opposition leaders, for doing too little in the week after the ship ran aground. In a statement Friday night, the government said it would seek compensation from "the owner and the insurer" of the ship for "all losses and damages" caused by the spill as well as for costs related to the clean-up. Japanese firm Nagashiki, the owner, has pledged to "sincerely" respond to requests for compensation over damage to the marine environment. France and Japan have responded to Mauritius' call for help with clean-up operations. So far more than 800 tonnes of oil liquid waste and more than 300 tonnes of solid waste sludge and debris has been removed from the ocean. Thousands of Mauritians have volunteered day and night to clean the powder-blue waters that have long been a favourite among honeymooners and tourists. The spill is both an ecological and economic disaster for Mauritius, which relies heavily on tourism.

Mauritius braces for split of oil-oozing ship off coast

Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Saturday Tokyo planned to send a team of officials from the ministry and other specialists to Mauritius to assess the damage from an oil spill.

A Japanese bulk carrier struck a coral reef off Mauritius on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and triggering a state of "environmental emergency" in what some scientists call the country's worst ecological disaster.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-ship-that-caused-mauritius-oil-spill-was-approved-in-annual-checks-319686">Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill was approved in annual checks</a>

On Friday, some residual oil from the ship leaked into the ocean, said Mauritius Marine Conservation Society President Jacqueline Sauzier. "Booms have been placed around the ship to contain the spill," she said.

Most of the oil from the MV Wakashio have been pumped out, the Mauritian government said on Thursday, but 166 tonnes of fuel oil were still inside the bulk carrier and authorities were working to remove them.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/images-show-the-extent-of-ecological-damage-caused-by-oil-spill-off-mauritian-coast-319374">Images show the extent of ecological damage caused by oil spill off Mauritian coast</a>

Removing the ship will be a delicate operation and is likely to take months. France, which once ruled Mauritius as a colony, has said it will assist with the cleanup.

Koizumi also told reporters on Saturday he saw the oil spill as a grave crisis that could lead to a loss of biodiversity.

The ship, MV Wakashio, is owned by Japan's Nagashiki Shipping and chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines.

Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Saturday Tokyo planned to send a team of officials from the ministry and other specialists to Mauritius to assess the damage from an oil spill.

Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Saturday Tokyo planned to send a team of officials from the ministry and other specialists to Mauritius to assess the damage from an oil spill. A Japanese bulk carrier struck a coral reef off Mauritius on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and triggering a state of "environmental emergency" in what some scientists call the country's worst ecological disaster. Also read: Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill was approved in annual checks On Friday, some residual oil from the ship leaked into the ocean, said Mauritius Marine Conservation Society President Jacqueline Sauzier. "Booms have been placed around the ship to contain the spill," she said. Most of the oil from the MV Wakashio have been pumped out, the Mauritian government said on Thursday, but 166 tonnes of fuel oil were still inside the bulk carrier and authorities were working to remove them. Also see: Images show the extent of ecological damage caused by oil spill off Mauritian coast Removing the ship will be a delicate operation and is likely to take months. France, which once ruled Mauritius as a colony, has said it will assist with the cleanup. Koizumi also told reporters on Saturday he saw the oil spill as a grave crisis that could lead to a loss of biodiversity. The ship, MV Wakashio, is owned by Japan's Nagashiki Shipping and chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines.

Japan to send team of ministry officials, specialists to Mauritius to assist in oil spill

Some corals have lived for centuries at the fringes of Mauritius. Now smothered for days in heavy fuel oil spilled from a wrecked Japanese tanker nearby, parts of those reefs may be in trouble.

The full impact of the toxic spill is still unfolding, scientists say. As the Indian Ocean island’s residents scramble to mop up the oil slicks and clumps, they are seeing dead eels and fish floating in the water, as fuel-soaked seabirds limp onto shore.

Satellite images also show the 1,000 tonnes of spilled oil spreading northward along the coastline from the spill site in the turquoise waters of Blue Bay Marine Park.

The damage, scientists say, could impact Mauritius and its tourism-dependent economy for decades.

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“This oil spill occurred in one of, if not the most, sensitive areas in Mauritius,” oceanographer and environmental engineer Vassen Kauppaymuthoo told Reuters by telephone from the island, where he was surveying the disaster. “We are talking of decades to recover from this damage, and some of it may never recover.”

The wildlife at risk include the seagrasses blanketing sand in the shallow waters, clownfish darting around coral reefs, mangrove trees corralling the coastline with their tangled root systems, and the critically endangered Pink Pigeon, endemic to the island.

Giant tortoises slow-walk through a nature reserve on the nearby islet, Ile-aux-Aigrettes, where there is also a scientific research station. Altogether, Blue Bay Marine park counts 38 types of coral and 78 species of fish.

The spill brings “a massive poisonous shock to the system,” said Adam Moolna, an environmental scientist from Mauritius who lectures at Keele University in Britain. “This oil will have cascading effects across the webs of life.”

Still uncontained

The spill came from the Japanese-owned MV Wakashio, which rammed into a reef in the marine park on July 25. It is still unclear why the ship was sailing so closely to the coast. About a week later, oil began gushing from the cracked vessel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-environmental-emergency-mauritius-oil-spill-expands-10-times-its-original-size-320036">Also read:&nbsp;Amid environmental emergency, Mauritius oil spill expands 10 times its original size</a>

However, the flow had been stopped, authorities say, after they pumped the remaining oil from the ship.

On Thursday, the ship’s owner Nagashiki Shipping said it would face up to its liability and assess compensation for the disaster.

Already, about 15 km of coastline have been affected by the spill, said Mauritius Marine Conservation Society President Jacqueline Sauzier.

“We don’t have the equipment or the expertise to remove the oil, and time is of the essence to limit the damage,” she told Reuters.

Local residents are wading unprotected into the toxic waters, while using human hair as well as husks from sugar cane factories to quickly soak up as much of the spill as they can.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-mv-wakashio-leaking-oil-off-the-coast-of-mauritius-319057">Also see:&nbsp;Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius</a>

For both people and wildlife, the spill will have a “resonating and resounding impact for the next 10 to 20 years,” said environmental toxicologist Craig Downs, who assesses oil spills but has not studied the spill in Mauritius.

Spiraling impact

Coral reefs and fish are likely to suffer first. That’s especially rough for Mauritius, where tourism and fishing are mainstays of the economy.

Corals that survive could have weakened resistance to marine heat waves, which are hitting the area due to climate change and have already caused some coral bleaching, experts say.

“If things continue to go the way they are the future prospects for coral reefs look very, very bleak indeed,” said Alex Rogers, a visiting professor at Oxford University and science director of REV Ocean, a not-for-profit company.

Conservationists are also anxious about oil washing into mangrove forests, where roots serve as nurseries for fish.

Oil also could sink into sediments around mangroves, where it could smother molluscs, crabs and fish larvae, said Callum Roberts, a professor of marine conservation at the University of Exeter in Britain.

“It’s very hard to remove once it’s sunk into the sediment,” Roberts said. “Trees can become sick and die.”

Birds nesting in the mangroves, or migrating via nearby mudflats, are also vulnerable. Ingesting oil can make it hard for birds to fight disease or even to fly, said environmental toxicologist Christopher Goodchild at Oklahoma State University.

Research has shown that “just a small amount of oil being transferred to a bird’s egg — as small as a droplet of blood — can actually cause a change in the bird embryo’s physiology,” he said.

Beds of seagrass, which like mangroves store vast quantities of climate-warming carbon dioxide, play a vital role in protecting coasts from waves.

On land, some scientists warn that washed up oil deposits could harden and lead to lasting change.

“In the long term, we could see an asphalt-like coast as the oil dissipates and degrades, as the oil puddles,” said Ralph Portier, an environmental scientist at Louisiana State University who studied the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

“It’s a real tragedy,” Portier said.

Some corals have lived for centuries at the fringes of Mauritius. Now smothered for days in heavy fuel oil spilled from a wrecked Japanese tanker nearby, parts of those reefs may be in trouble.

Some corals have lived for centuries at the fringes of Mauritius. Now smothered for days in heavy fuel oil spilled from a wrecked Japanese tanker nearby, parts of those reefs may be in trouble. The full impact of the toxic spill is still unfolding, scientists say. As the Indian Ocean island’s residents scramble to mop up the oil slicks and clumps, they are seeing dead eels and fish floating in the water, as fuel-soaked seabirds limp onto shore. Satellite images also show the 1,000 tonnes of spilled oil spreading northward along the coastline from the spill site in the turquoise waters of Blue Bay Marine Park. The damage, scientists say, could impact Mauritius and its tourism-dependent economy for decades. × “This oil spill occurred in one of, if not the most, sensitive areas in Mauritius,” oceanographer and environmental engineer Vassen Kauppaymuthoo told Reuters by telephone from the island, where he was surveying the disaster. “We are talking of decades to recover from this damage, and some of it may never recover.” The wildlife at risk include the seagrasses blanketing sand in the shallow waters, clownfish darting around coral reefs, mangrove trees corralling the coastline with their tangled root systems, and the critically endangered Pink Pigeon, endemic to the island. Giant tortoises slow-walk through a nature reserve on the nearby islet, Ile-aux-Aigrettes, where there is also a scientific research station. Altogether, Blue Bay Marine park counts 38 types of coral and 78 species of fish. The spill brings “a massive poisonous shock to the system,” said Adam Moolna, an environmental scientist from Mauritius who lectures at Keele University in Britain. “This oil will have cascading effects across the webs of life.” Still uncontained The spill came from the Japanese-owned MV Wakashio, which rammed into a reef in the marine park on July 25. It is still unclear why the ship was sailing so closely to the coast. About a week later, oil began gushing from the cracked vessel. Also read: Amid environmental emergency, Mauritius oil spill expands 10 times its original size However, the flow had been stopped, authorities say, after they pumped the remaining oil from the ship. On Thursday, the ship’s owner Nagashiki Shipping said it would face up to its liability and assess compensation for the disaster. Already, about 15 km of coastline have been affected by the spill, said Mauritius Marine Conservation Society President Jacqueline Sauzier. “We don’t have the equipment or the expertise to remove the oil, and time is of the essence to limit the damage,” she told Reuters. Local residents are wading unprotected into the toxic waters, while using human hair as well as husks from sugar cane factories to quickly soak up as much of the spill as they can. Also see: Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius For both people and wildlife, the spill will have a “resonating and resounding impact for the next 10 to 20 years,” said environmental toxicologist Craig Downs, who assesses oil spills but has not studied the spill in Mauritius. Spiraling impact Coral reefs and fish are likely to suffer first. That’s especially rough for Mauritius, where tourism and fishing are mainstays of the economy. Corals that survive could have weakened resistance to marine heat waves, which are hitting the area due to climate change and have already caused some coral bleaching, experts say. “If things continue to go the way they are the future prospects for coral reefs look very, very bleak indeed,” said Alex Rogers, a visiting professor at Oxford University and science director of REV Ocean, a not-for-profit company. Conservationists are also anxious about oil washing into mangrove forests, where roots serve as nurseries for fish. Oil also could sink into sediments around mangroves, where it could smother molluscs, crabs and fish larvae, said Callum Roberts, a professor of marine conservation at the University of Exeter in Britain. “It’s very hard to remove once it’s sunk into the sediment,” Roberts said. “Trees can become sick and die.” Birds nesting in the mangroves, or migrating via nearby mudflats, are also vulnerable. Ingesting oil can make it hard for birds to fight disease or even to fly, said environmental toxicologist Christopher Goodchild at Oklahoma State University. Research has shown that “just a small amount of oil being transferred to a bird’s egg — as small as a droplet of blood — can actually cause a change in the bird embryo’s physiology,” he said. Beds of seagrass, which like mangroves store vast quantities of climate-warming carbon dioxide, play a vital role in protecting coasts from waves. On land, some scientists warn that washed up oil deposits could harden and lead to lasting change. “In the long term, we could see an asphalt-like coast as the oil dissipates and degrades, as the oil puddles,” said Ralph Portier, an environmental scientist at Louisiana State University who studied the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. “It’s a real tragedy,” Portier said.

'Massive poisonous shock': Scientists fear lasting impact from Mauritius oil spill

A Japanese bulk carrier struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and triggering a state of "environmental emergency". Scientists say the spill is the country's worst ecological disaster, killing wildlife and damaging pristine waters that attract tourists from around the globe. The full impact is still unfolding.

Scientist to calculate cost of oil-spill in Mauritius

Tourist operators in&nbsp;Mauritius&nbsp;fear that an oil spill from a Japanese ship will further damage their businesses, already reeling from the coronavirus epidemic, and could cost jobs if their pristine beaches are spoiled.

Tourism generated $1.6 billion&nbsp;for the economy last year. In May, the central bank said that in the past two months alone, the nation had lost 12 billion rupees in foreign exchange due to the fall in tourism.

Willow River-Tonkin, who owns a kite-surfing business, said local guides would be some of the hardest hit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-environmental-emergency-mauritius-oil-spill-expands-10-times-its-original-size-320036" hreflang="en">Amid environmental emergency, Mauritius oil spill expands 10 times its original size</a>

"It is really going to affect the communities down there, especially for the fisherman, the local guys that live there, you know that's how they make money from tourists," he said.

"Taking them out to go diving to go snorkelling, to go wake boarding, to go see dolphins and all that sort of thing you know and all of that is going to affect it, if we don't get it under control very soon."

The MV Wakashio, owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd, struck a reef and went aground off the Indian Ocean island's southeast coast on July 25. It began leaking oil last last week.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a state of emergency last Friday.&nbsp;

Mauritius&nbsp;avoided a second catastrophic oil spill Wednesday after salvage crews pumped the remaining fuel from the tanks of a cargo ship that ran aground off its coast, imperilling world-famous wildlife sanctuaries.

Romina Tello, the 30-year-old founder of sustainable tourism agency&nbsp;Mauritius&nbsp;Conscious, said that border closures due the coronavirus had already battered tourism.&nbsp;Mauritius&nbsp;shut its borders on March 19 and has had only 344 cases of COVID-19, of which 332 have recovered and 10 have died. It is still closed to international air travel.

The southeast coast where the oil spill happened is famous for snorkelling, kite surfing and people visiting the sea flora and the fauna of&nbsp;Mauritius, Tello said, as well as sailing, as boats tend to travel to the islands nearby.

Tourist operators in Mauritius fear that an oil spill from a Japanese ship will further damage their businesses, already reeling from the coronavirus epidemic, and could cost jobs if their pristine beaches are spoiled.

Tourist operators in Mauritius fear that an oil spill from a Japanese ship will further damage their businesses, already reeling from the coronavirus epidemic, and could cost jobs if their pristine beaches are spoiled. Tourism generated $1.6 billion for the economy last year. In May, the central bank said that in the past two months alone, the nation had lost 12 billion rupees in foreign exchange due to the fall in tourism. Willow River-Tonkin, who owns a kite-surfing business, said local guides would be some of the hardest hit. Also read: Amid environmental emergency, Mauritius oil spill expands 10 times its original size "It is really going to affect the communities down there, especially for the fisherman, the local guys that live there, you know that's how they make money from tourists," he said. "Taking them out to go diving to go snorkelling, to go wake boarding, to go see dolphins and all that sort of thing you know and all of that is going to affect it, if we don't get it under control very soon." The MV Wakashio, owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd, struck a reef and went aground off the Indian Ocean island's southeast coast on July 25. It began leaking oil last last week. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a state of emergency last Friday. Mauritius avoided a second catastrophic oil spill Wednesday after salvage crews pumped the remaining fuel from the tanks of a cargo ship that ran aground off its coast, imperilling world-famous wildlife sanctuaries. Romina Tello, the 30-year-old founder of sustainable tourism agency Mauritius Conscious, said that border closures due the coronavirus had already battered tourism. Mauritius shut its borders on March 19 and has had only 344 cases of COVID-19, of which 332 have recovered and 10 have died. It is still closed to international air travel. The southeast coast where the oil spill happened is famous for snorkelling, kite surfing and people visiting the sea flora and the fauna of Mauritius, Tello said, as well as sailing, as boats tend to travel to the islands nearby.

Mauritius tourism, reeling from coronavirus, now hit by oil spill

A Japanese bulk carrier that struck a coral reef off Mauritius and has leaked at least an estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil passed an annual inspection in March without any problems

Your Story: Why the Mauritius oil spill is dangerous | Japanese ship | Marine Ecosystem

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the&nbsp;island nation.

Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral reefs. Now, thousands of species run the risk of drowning in a sea of pollution.

The pristine&nbsp;turquoise waters of Mauritius have turned murky brown. Thousands of endangered species and spectacular corals are at risk.&nbsp;A Japanese ship owned by the Nagashiki shipping company has been oozing fuel into the island nation's seawater.&nbsp;

The MV Wakashio&nbsp;believed to have been carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil&nbsp;ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and now&nbsp;a massive round-the-clock clean-up drive is underway.

Mauritians have made floating booms of human hair and leaves&nbsp;to mop up the oil from leaking further.

Some hair salons are even offering discounts to those donating hair.&nbsp; A&nbsp;state of emergency has been declared in Mauritius as fishermen try and salvage their precious waters. For now, close to 500 tonnes of oil has been safely pumped out of the water.

What is of grave concern is that large cracks have appeared in the hull of the cargo ship which has prompted the prime minister to warn that it may break in two.

Mauritius is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. It's rich flora and fauna attract tourists from across the globe.

Tourism is a major contributor to this island economy and added around $1.6 billion to its coffers last year. Authorities are worried that the oil spill near the blue bay marine park may endanger the corals, fish and other marine life and locals worry that this catastrophe could hamper their livelihood.

A spokesperson for the Mitsui Osk Lines, the operator of the ship, has profusely apologised for the spill.&nbsp;

An aerial view of the Mauritius coastline serves as a reminder of the havoc wreaked by mankind upon nature. For now, the entire country's ecosystem hangs in the balance.

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the island nation.

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the island nation. Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral reefs. Now, thousands of species run the risk of drowning in a sea of pollution. The pristine turquoise waters of Mauritius have turned murky brown. Thousands of endangered species and spectacular corals are at risk. A Japanese ship owned by the Nagashiki shipping company has been oozing fuel into the island nation's seawater. The MV Wakashio believed to have been carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and now a massive round-the-clock clean-up drive is underway. Mauritians have made floating booms of human hair and leaves to mop up the oil from leaking further. Some hair salons are even offering discounts to those donating hair. A state of emergency has been declared in Mauritius as fishermen try and salvage their precious waters. For now, close to 500 tonnes of oil has been safely pumped out of the water. What is of grave concern is that large cracks have appeared in the hull of the cargo ship which has prompted the prime minister to warn that it may break in two. Mauritius is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. It's rich flora and fauna attract tourists from across the globe. Tourism is a major contributor to this island economy and added around $1.6 billion to its coffers last year. Authorities are worried that the oil spill near the blue bay marine park may endanger the corals, fish and other marine life and locals worry that this catastrophe could hamper their livelihood. A spokesperson for the Mitsui Osk Lines, the operator of the ship, has profusely apologised for the spill. An aerial view of the Mauritius coastline serves as a reminder of the havoc wreaked by mankind upon nature. For now, the entire country's ecosystem hangs in the balance.

Mauritius struggles to preserve ecosystem amid catastrophic oil spill

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the&nbsp;island nation.

Mauritius avoided a second catastrophic oil spill Wednesday after salvage crews pumped the remaining fuel from the tanks of a cargo ship that ran aground off its coast.

On Tuesday, volunteers fished out scores of dead eels dripping in oil in a bid to skim the oil off the surface in what is&nbsp;considered the most pristine beaches in the Indian Ocean. An estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil is currently in the ocean, and more expected to flow in as the ship nears breaking point.

The country had declared a “state of environmental emergency” last week after the incident. Satellite images released showed a thick oil slick appear all around the area where the ship is currently lying.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-mv-wakashio-leaking-oil-off-the-coast-of-mauritius-319057">Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius</a>

The latest data analysis has revealed that the oil slick has expanded 10 times its originals size&nbsp;spreading over 11 and a half kilometers.

Volunteers and environmentalists have intensified rescue efforts. France has dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft to&nbsp;stabilise the bulk carrier and pump 4,000 tonnes of fuel from the Indian ocean.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-deploys-teams-to-mauritius-as-oil-spill-disaster-worsens-319105">France deploys teams to Mauritius as oil spill disaster worsens</a>

The archipelago is preparing for the worst after the ship's operator, Mitsui Osk Lines confirmed that the crack in the ship's hull has widened. It now risks breaking into two, resulting in an environmental catastrophe.

He said&nbsp;"the ship is about to break and we expected. It could have broken up already last night but it's still holding. But what we've learned is that it is still been held back by only the top metal plate that covers the surface of the ship and that this is fully cracked on the sides.''

''So there are still 600 tones of heavy fuel oil inside of it. And should the ship break, we would need to be prepared to absorb all this oil,'' he added.

If sufficent and necessary measures are not taken to rectify the situation, the oil spill is bound to go out of hands.

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the island nation. Mauritius avoided a second catastrophic oil spill Wednesday after salvage crews pumped the remaining fuel from the tanks of a cargo ship that ran aground off its coast. On Tuesday, volunteers fished out scores of dead eels dripping in oil in a bid to skim the oil off the surface in what is considered the most pristine beaches in the Indian Ocean. An estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil is currently in the ocean, and more expected to flow in as the ship nears breaking point. The country had declared a “state of environmental emergency” last week after the incident. Satellite images released showed a thick oil slick appear all around the area where the ship is currently lying. Also see: Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius The latest data analysis has revealed that the oil slick has expanded 10 times its originals size spreading over 11 and a half kilometers. Volunteers and environmentalists have intensified rescue efforts. France has dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft to stabilise the bulk carrier and pump 4,000 tonnes of fuel from the Indian ocean. Also read: France deploys teams to Mauritius as oil spill disaster worsens The archipelago is preparing for the worst after the ship's operator, Mitsui Osk Lines confirmed that the crack in the ship's hull has widened. It now risks breaking into two, resulting in an environmental catastrophe. He said "the ship is about to break and we expected. It could have broken up already last night but it's still holding. But what we've learned is that it is still been held back by only the top metal plate that covers the surface of the ship and that this is fully cracked on the sides.'' ''So there are still 600 tones of heavy fuel oil inside of it. And should the ship break, we would need to be prepared to absorb all this oil,'' he added. If sufficent and necessary measures are not taken to rectify the situation, the oil spill is bound to go out of hands.

Amid environmental emergency, Mauritius oil spill expands 10 times its original size

There has been an ecological catastrophe that has been unfolding in Mauritius' and it has happening bear the coral reefs. Watch report.

Fear for Mauritius' marine life: Oil spill wreaks havoc on island nation

The oil leakage from a Japanese bulk carrier off the coast of Mauritius is causing the ocean life around the carrier to die.

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/images-show-the-extent-of-ecological-damage-caused-by-oil-spill-off-mauritian-coast-319374">Images show the extent of ecological damage caused by oil spill off Mauritian coast</a>

On Tuesday, volunteers fished out scores of dead eels dripping in oil in a bid to skim the oil off the surface in what are considered the most pristine beaches in the Indian Ocean. An estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil is currently in the ocean, and more expected to flow in as the ship nears a breaking point.

Home to renowned reefs

Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral reefs. Now, thousands of species run the risk of drowning in a sea of pollution.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/mauritius-struggles-to-preserve-ecosystem-amid-catastrophic-oil-spill-319807" hreflang="en">Mauritius struggles to preserve ecosystem amid catastrophic oil spill</a>

The pristine&nbsp;turquoise waters of Mauritius have turned murky brown. Thousands of endangered species and spectacular corals are at risk.&nbsp;A Japanese ship owned by the Nagashiki shipping company has been oozing fuel into the island nation's seawater.&nbsp;

The MV Wakashio&nbsp;believed to have been carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil&nbsp;ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and now&nbsp;a massive round-the-clock clean-up drive is underway.

Creative solutions underway

Mauritians have made floating booms of human hair and leaves&nbsp;to mop up the oil from leaking further.

Some hair salons are even offering discounts to those donating hair.&nbsp; A&nbsp;state of emergency has been declared in Mauritius as fishermen try and salvage their precious waters. For now, close to 500 tonnes of oil has been safely pumped out of the water.

What is of grave concern is that large cracks have appeared in the hull of the cargo ship which has prompted the prime minister to warn that it may break in two.

Mauritius is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. It's rich flora and fauna attract tourists from across the globe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japanese-ship-that-caused-mauritius-oil-spill-was-approved-in-annual-checks-319686" hreflang="en">Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill was approved in annual checks</a>

Tourism is a major contributor to this island economy and added around $1.6 billion to its coffers last year. Authorities are worried that the oil spill near the blue bay marine park may endanger the corals, fish and other marine life and locals worry that this catastrophe could hamper their livelihood.

A spokesperson for the Mitsui Osk Lines, the operator of the ship, has profusely apologised for the spill.&nbsp;

An aerial view of the Mauritius coastline serves as a reminder of the havoc wreaked by mankind upon nature. For now, the entire country's ecosystem hangs in the balance.

The oil leakage from a Japanese bulk carrier off the coast of Mauritius is causing the ocean life around the carrier to die. In Pics: Images show the extent of ecological damage caused by oil spill off Mauritian coast On Tuesday, volunteers fished out scores of dead eels dripping in oil in a bid to skim the oil off the surface in what are considered the most pristine beaches in the Indian Ocean.

The oil leakage from a Japanese bulk carrier off the coast of Mauritius is causing the ocean life around the carrier to die. In Pics: Images show the extent of ecological damage caused by oil spill off Mauritian coast On Tuesday, volunteers fished out scores of dead eels dripping in oil in a bid to skim the oil off the surface in what are considered the most pristine beaches in the Indian Ocean. An estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil is currently in the ocean, and more expected to flow in as the ship nears a breaking point. Home to renowned reefs Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral reefs. Now, thousands of species run the risk of drowning in a sea of pollution. Also read: Mauritius struggles to preserve ecosystem amid catastrophic oil spill The pristine turquoise waters of Mauritius have turned murky brown. Thousands of endangered species and spectacular corals are at risk. A Japanese ship owned by the Nagashiki shipping company has been oozing fuel into the island nation's seawater. The MV Wakashio believed to have been carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and now a massive round-the-clock clean-up drive is underway. Creative solutions underway Mauritians have made floating booms of human hair and leaves to mop up the oil from leaking further. Some hair salons are even offering discounts to those donating hair. A state of emergency has been declared in Mauritius as fishermen try and salvage their precious waters. For now, close to 500 tonnes of oil has been safely pumped out of the water. What is of grave concern is that large cracks have appeared in the hull of the cargo ship which has prompted the prime minister to warn that it may break in two. Mauritius is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. It's rich flora and fauna attract tourists from across the globe. Also read: Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill was approved in annual checks Tourism is a major contributor to this island economy and added around $1.6 billion to its coffers last year. Authorities are worried that the oil spill near the blue bay marine park may endanger the corals, fish and other marine life and locals worry that this catastrophe could hamper their livelihood. A spokesperson for the Mitsui Osk Lines, the operator of the ship, has profusely apologised for the spill. An aerial view of the Mauritius coastline serves as a reminder of the havoc wreaked by mankind upon nature. For now, the entire country's ecosystem hangs in the balance.

Oil spill off Mauritian coast is killing aquatic life

A Japanese ship that ran aground off Mauritius caused an oil spill into the ocean&nbsp;and has started off an environmental catastrophe.

It has now been revealed that the&nbsp;ship, that spilled almost&nbsp;1,000 tonnes of oil, passed the latest annual inspection in March with no problems, Japan's ClassNK inspection body confirmed.

The ship, known as&nbsp;MV Wakashio, is owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. Mitsui has now set up a task force to look into this matter.

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"We will do our utmost towards resolving the situation quickly," the company said in a statement. Mitsui will also be sending a personnel to the site of the spill to help the task force.

The company has also claimed that the impact on earnings from the spill would not be big enough to&nbsp;to warrant a financial disclosure.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said the ship has now stopped leaking oil into the Indian Ocean but the island nation must still prepare for "a worst case scenario".

The oil spill caused an environment emergency in Mauritius.

A Japanese ship that ran aground off Mauritius caused an oil spill into the ocean and has started off an environmental catastrophe. It has now been revealed that the ship, that spilled almost 1,000 tonnes of oil, passed the latest annual inspection in March with no problems, Japan's ClassNK inspection body confirmed.

A Japanese ship that ran aground off Mauritius caused an oil spill into the ocean and has started off an environmental catastrophe. It has now been revealed that the ship, that spilled almost 1,000 tonnes of oil, passed the latest annual inspection in March with no problems, Japan's ClassNK inspection body confirmed. The ship, known as MV Wakashio, is owned by Nagashiki Shipping and operated by Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. Mitsui has now set up a task force to look into this matter. × "We will do our utmost towards resolving the situation quickly," the company said in a statement. Mitsui will also be sending a personnel to the site of the spill to help the task force. The company has also claimed that the impact on earnings from the spill would not be big enough to to warrant a financial disclosure. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said the ship has now stopped leaking oil into the Indian Ocean but the island nation must still prepare for "a worst case scenario". The oil spill caused an environment emergency in Mauritius.

Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill was approved in annual checks

Mauritius is racing against time to avoid an ecological disaster as experts warn that the damage Japanese ship leaking oil into the sea can break into two. Watch report.

Mauritius declares emergency over oil spill | Race against time to contain spill | WION

Mauritius oil spill: Satellite images reveal the extent of damage

The operator of a Japanese bulk carrier which ran aground off Mauritius in the Indian Ocean apologised on Sunday for a major oil spill which officials and environmentalists say is creating an ecological disaster.

The MV Wakashio, operated by Mitsui OSK Lines, struck the reef on Mauritius’ southeast coast on July 25. Fuel started leaking from the cracked vessel on Thursday.

“We apologise profusely and deeply for the great trouble we have caused,” Akihiko Ono, executive vice president of Mitsui OSK Lines said at a new conference in Tokyo.

He added that the company would “do everything in their power to resolve the issue”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mauritius-declares-environmental-emergency-after-oil-spill-318992">Also read:&nbsp;Mauritius declares environmental emergency after oil spill</a>

At least 1,000 tonnes of oil is estimated to have leaked from the ship onto the waters surrounding Mauritius. Some 500 tonnes of oil have been salvaged from the ship, but there are still 2,500 tonnes remaining on the ship.

Neither Mitsui OSK Lines nor Nagashiki Shipping, the ship’s owner, could confirm the cost of damages from the oil spill.

Japan will dispatch a six-person disaster relief team, on the request of the Mauritius government, to help with removing the spilt oil, according to a statement by the Japanese Foreign Ministry on Sunday.

“We hope that this assistance will contribute to recovery of the environment of Mauritius and prevention of marine pollution,” the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-exploring-avenues-to-help-mauritius-to-deal-with-oil-spill-319115">Also read:&nbsp;India exploring avenues to help Mauritius to deal with oil spill</a>

France was also sending specialist teams and equipment to Mauritius, once a French colony, to help deal with the spill.

Mauritius declared a state of “environmental emergency” on Friday following the accident.

Environmentalists fear the oil spill is the worst ecological disaster the island nation of Mauritius had seen, and would endanger its marine ecology and the pristine waters that attract tourists from around the globe.

Mauritius, famous for its pristine beaches, is popular with tourists who last year contributed 63 billion Mauritius rupees ($1.6 billion) to the economy.

The operator of a Japanese bulk carrier which ran aground off Mauritius in the Indian Ocean apologised on Sunday for a major oil spill which officials and environmentalists say is creating an ecological disaster.

The operator of a Japanese bulk carrier which ran aground off Mauritius in the Indian Ocean apologised on Sunday for a major oil spill which officials and environmentalists say is creating an ecological disaster. The MV Wakashio, operated by Mitsui OSK Lines, struck the reef on Mauritius’ southeast coast on July 25. Fuel started leaking from the cracked vessel on Thursday. “We apologise profusely and deeply for the great trouble we have caused,” Akihiko Ono, executive vice president of Mitsui OSK Lines said at a new conference in Tokyo. He added that the company would “do everything in their power to resolve the issue”. Also read: Mauritius declares environmental emergency after oil spill At least 1,000 tonnes of oil is estimated to have leaked from the ship onto the waters surrounding Mauritius. Some 500 tonnes of oil have been salvaged from the ship, but there are still 2,500 tonnes remaining on the ship. Neither Mitsui OSK Lines nor Nagashiki Shipping, the ship’s owner, could confirm the cost of damages from the oil spill. Japan will dispatch a six-person disaster relief team, on the request of the Mauritius government, to help with removing the spilt oil, according to a statement by the Japanese Foreign Ministry on Sunday. “We hope that this assistance will contribute to recovery of the environment of Mauritius and prevention of marine pollution,” the statement said. Also read: India exploring avenues to help Mauritius to deal with oil spill France was also sending specialist teams and equipment to Mauritius, once a French colony, to help deal with the spill. Mauritius declared a state of “environmental emergency” on Friday following the accident. Environmentalists fear the oil spill is the worst ecological disaster the island nation of Mauritius had seen, and would endanger its marine ecology and the pristine waters that attract tourists from around the globe. Mauritius, famous for its pristine beaches, is popular with tourists who last year contributed 63 billion Mauritius rupees ($1.6 billion) to the economy.

Grounded Mauritius ship operator apologises for oil leak

France on Saturday dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft from Reunion to Mauritius, where desperate efforts are underway to contain an oil spill polluting the archipelago's iconic reefs and protected ecosystems.

Rough seas have thwarted efforts to stop fuel leaking from the cargo vessel MV Wakashio, which ran aground two weeks ago and is staining pristine waters in an ecologically-protected marine area off the southeast coast.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-mv-wakashio-leaking-oil-off-the-coast-of-mauritius-319057" hreflang="en">Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius</a>

Attempts to stabilise the bulk carrier and pump 4,000 tonnes of fuel from the hold have failed, prompting Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to declare "a state of environmental emergency" as oil seeped unabated from a crack in the hull.&nbsp;

Volunteers have marshalled along the shores where dark pools of oil now coat the coral reefs, lagoons and white-sand beaches upon which Mauritius has built its reputation as a green tourism destination.

Jugnauth asked France for urgent assistance to mitigate what Mauritian authorities are calling an unprecedented environmental disaster beyond the scope of the tiny Indian Ocean nation.

President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said expert teams and specialised equipment were being deployed from nearby Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, to assist with the crisis.

"When biodiversity is at risk, there is an urgent need for action. France is there. At the side of the Mauritian people," Macron posted on Twitter.

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Lorsque la biodiversité est en péril, il y a urgence d’agir. La France est là. Aux côtés du peuple mauricien. Vous pouvez compter sur notre soutien cher <a href="https://twitter.com/PKJugnauth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PKJugnauth</a>. Nous déployons dès à présent des équipes et du matériel depuis La Réunion. <a href="https://t.co/uxoNhAQWfS">https://t.co/uxoNhAQWfS</a>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1292026358516908032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The French navy ship Le Champlain sailed for Mauritius on Saturday while a military aircraft was scheduled to make two rotations over the spill site, both equipped with specialist pollution control equipment and experts aboard.

The tanker, belonging to a Japanese company but Panamanian-flagged, was carrying 3,800 tonnes of fuel and 200 tonnes of diesel when it struck a reef at Pointe d'Esny, an ecological jewel famed for internationally-listed conservation sites, turquoise waters and protected wetlands.&nbsp;

The environment ministry announced this week that oil had begun seeping from the hull, confirming the worst.&nbsp;

Aerial images show the enormous scale of the damage, with huge stretches of azure seas around the marooned ship stained a deep inky black.

France on Saturday dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft from Reunion to Mauritius, where desperate efforts are underway to contain an oil spill polluting the archipelago's iconic reefs and protected ecosystems.

France on Saturday dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft from Reunion to Mauritius, where desperate efforts are underway to contain an oil spill polluting the archipelago's iconic reefs and protected ecosystems. Rough seas have thwarted efforts to stop fuel leaking from the cargo vessel MV Wakashio, which ran aground two weeks ago and is staining pristine waters in an ecologically-protected marine area off the southeast coast. Also see: Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius Attempts to stabilise the bulk carrier and pump 4,000 tonnes of fuel from the hold have failed, prompting Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to declare "a state of environmental emergency" as oil seeped unabated from a crack in the hull. Volunteers have marshalled along the shores where dark pools of oil now coat the coral reefs, lagoons and white-sand beaches upon which Mauritius has built its reputation as a green tourism destination. Jugnauth asked France for urgent assistance to mitigate what Mauritian authorities are calling an unprecedented environmental disaster beyond the scope of the tiny Indian Ocean nation. President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said expert teams and specialised equipment were being deployed from nearby Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, to assist with the crisis. "When biodiversity is at risk, there is an urgent need for action. France is there. At the side of the Mauritian people," Macron posted on Twitter. Lorsque la biodiversité est en péril, il y a urgence d’agir. La France est là. Aux côtés du peuple mauricien. Vous pouvez compter sur notre soutien cher @PKJugnauth. Nous déployons dès à présent des équipes et du matériel depuis La Réunion. https://t.co/uxoNhAQWfS — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 8, 2020 × The French navy ship Le Champlain sailed for Mauritius on Saturday while a military aircraft was scheduled to make two rotations over the spill site, both equipped with specialist pollution control equipment and experts aboard. The tanker, belonging to a Japanese company but Panamanian-flagged, was carrying 3,800 tonnes of fuel and 200 tonnes of diesel when it struck a reef at Pointe d'Esny, an ecological jewel famed for internationally-listed conservation sites, turquoise waters and protected wetlands. The environment ministry announced this week that oil had begun seeping from the hull, confirming the worst. Aerial images show the enormous scale of the damage, with huge stretches of azure seas around the marooned ship stained a deep inky black.

France deploys teams to Mauritius as oil spill disaster worsens

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a "state of environmental emergency" on Friday after bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio began spilling oil after running aground on a reef on the south east coast of the country.

Satellite images released on Friday&nbsp;showed a thick oil slick appear all around the area where the ship is currently lying.

<img alt="Mauritius" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8ce4529-6967-4a7d-80c3-d9ac949e909f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_113856529_tv062817321.jpg" />

According to media reports, MV Wakashio is owned by a Japanese company and was making its way to Brazil from China. The ship is believed to have 4,000 tonnes of fuel aboard.

<img alt="Mauritius" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aaf62ebd-fb23-4333-afdb-8f05a545b4f5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_113856526_tv062817295.jpg" />

A satellite image shows the bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio and its oil spill after it ran aground off the southeast coast of Mauritius, August 7, 2020. Satellite image ?2020 Maxar Technologies/via REUTERS

Mauritius, an island lying east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine environment and is a popular tourist destination.

Online ship trackers showed the Panama-flagged bulk carrier had been en route from China to Brazil.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mauritius-declares-environmental-emergency-after-oil-spill-318992" hreflang="en">Mauritius declares environmental emergency after oil spill</a>

After the cracks in the hull were detected, a salvage team that had been working on the ship was evacuated, Ramano told reporters Thursday. Some 400 sea booms have been deployed in an effort to contain the spill.

Government statements this week said the ship ran aground July 25 and the National Coast Guard received no distress call.

A police inquiry has been opened into issues such as possible negligence, a government statement said.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a "state of environmental emergency" on Friday after bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio began spilling oil after running aground on a reef on the south east coast of the country.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a "state of environmental emergency" on Friday after bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio began spilling oil after running aground on a reef on the south east coast of the country. Satellite images released on Friday showed a thick oil slick appear all around the area where the ship is currently lying. According to media reports, MV Wakashio is owned by a Japanese company and was making its way to Brazil from China. The ship is believed to have 4,000 tonnes of fuel aboard. A satellite image shows the bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio and its oil spill after it ran aground off the southeast coast of Mauritius, August 7, 2020. Satellite image ?2020 Maxar Technologies/via REUTERS Mauritius, an island lying east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine environment and is a popular tourist destination. Online ship trackers showed the Panama-flagged bulk carrier had been en route from China to Brazil. Also read: Mauritius declares environmental emergency after oil spill After the cracks in the hull were detected, a salvage team that had been working on the ship was evacuated, Ramano told reporters Thursday. Some 400 sea booms have been deployed in an effort to contain the spill. Government statements this week said the ship ran aground July 25 and the National Coast Guard received no distress call. A police inquiry has been opened into issues such as possible negligence, a government statement said.

Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius

The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius declared a “state of environmental emergency” late Friday after a ship that ran aground offshore days ago began spilling tonnes of fuel.

Satellite images showed a dark slick spreading in the waters near environmental areas that the government called “very sensitive.”

Mauritius has said the Japanese-owned ship, the MV Wakashio, was carrying nearly 4,000 tonnes of fuel.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth earlier in the day said the spill “represents a danger" for the country of some 1.3 million people that relies heavily on tourism and has been been hit hard by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. 
His government has appealed to France for help. France is Mauritius's “leading foreign investor” and one of its largest trading partners.

“Our country doesn’t have the skills and expertise to refloat stranded ships, so I have appealed for help from France and President Emmanuel Macron," he said. Bad weather has made it impossible to act, and “I worry what could happen Sunday when the weather deteriorates."

Online ship trackers showed the Panama-flagged bulk carrier had been en route from China to Brazil.

After the cracks in the hull were detected, a salvage team that had been working on the ship was evacuated, Ramano told reporters Thursday. Some 400 sea booms have been deployed in an effort to contain the spill.

Government statements this week said the ship ran aground July 25 and the National Coast Guard received no distress call.

A police inquiry has been opened into issues such as possible negligence, a government statement said.

The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius declared a “state of environmental emergency” late Friday after a ship that ran aground offshore days ago began spilling tonnes of fuel.

The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius declared a “state of environmental emergency” late Friday after a ship that ran aground offshore days ago began spilling tonnes of fuel. Satellite images showed a dark slick spreading in the waters near environmental areas that the government called “very sensitive.” Mauritius has said the Japanese-owned ship, the MV Wakashio, was carrying nearly 4,000 tonnes of fuel. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth earlier in the day said the spill “represents a danger" for the country of some 1.3 million people that relies heavily on tourism and has been been hit hard by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. His government has appealed to France for help. France is Mauritius's “leading foreign investor” and one of its largest trading partners. “Our country doesn’t have the skills and expertise to refloat stranded ships, so I have appealed for help from France and President Emmanuel Macron," he said. Bad weather has made it impossible to act, and “I worry what could happen Sunday when the weather deteriorates." Online ship trackers showed the Panama-flagged bulk carrier had been en route from China to Brazil. After the cracks in the hull were detected, a salvage team that had been working on the ship was evacuated, Ramano told reporters Thursday. Some 400 sea booms have been deployed in an effort to contain the spill. Government statements this week said the ship ran aground July 25 and the National Coast Guard received no distress call. A police inquiry has been opened into issues such as possible negligence, a government statement said.

Mauritius declares environmental emergency after oil spill

Oil spill of Japanese bulk carrier triggers crisis in Mauritius. Experts have feared of greater damage to Mauritius coastline.

Oil spill of Japanese bulk carrier triggers crisis in Mauritius

An India built a state-of-the-art energy-efficient hospital in Mauritius, which was opened by Indian PM Modi and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth last year on October 3rd is being used to deal with the COVID crisis, Indian envoy to the country has told WION. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's High Commissioner to Mauritius Tanmaya Lal while talking about the COVID situation in the country lauded the "leadership of the country is taking commendable steps on various fronts to contain the pandemic" and thanked them for "testing and other procedures required" of several Indian workers after one Indian worker was confirmed COVID positive case. He also talked about the ongoing repatriation process for which the mission is currently getting ready and expects around 1000 Indians who may want to return. Remember Mauritius was one of the first countries to which India sent Hydroxychloroquine. 
 
WION: How are India and Mauritius cooperating on Covid? We sent them HCQ.&nbsp; 
 
Tanmaya Lal: Well, as you are aware, India and Mauritius share a very special relationship. As part of our close ties, there is a longstanding partnership between our countries on the issue of public healthcare. On the Covid pandemic also we are engaging very closely. Mauritius was one of the first partner countries where India was able to bring medicines. Government of Mauritius had made an early request for Hydroxychloroquine and some other medicines. The first consignment of around 13 tons of medicines from India arrived in Mauritius on 15 April. This included half a million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine. This was greatly appreciated here. Hon. Vice Prime Minister Mrs Dookun received the consignment at the airport. Warm messages were exchanged between our Prime Ministers on this. The gesture was well-liked by people, healthcare specialists and received wide media attention. We are working to bring the next consignment of essential medicines in the coming days. This will also include Ayurvedic medicines that have been requested by the Government of Mauritius. You may know that last October Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and Prime Minister Modi had jointly e-inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Hospital in Mauritius as part of our development partnership. The Hospital is currently being extensively used in the context of Coronavirus situation. There are many other ongoing and earlier instances of our partnership in the healthcare sector including in Ayush and traditional medicines fields. In February this year, two senior experts from Mauritius participated in an International Ayush Conference in India. On Monday both India and Mauritius participated in the online meeting of the Contact Group of Non-Aligned Movement on Covid 19. I must point out that the Government of Mauritius has been extremely supportive in helping us take care of the Indian nationals here. Their senior leadership has reassured us of their attention to any facilitation required. They assisted with testing and other procedures required in cases of the large number of Indian workers, which became necessary after one Indian worker was confirmed as a Covid positive case. We are grateful for their help.&nbsp;

WION: How has the Indian mission reached out to stranded Indians in the country?&nbsp; 
 
Tanmaya Lal: There are around 10,000 Indian nationals in Mauritius. We estimate that around 1,000 of these may need to return to India. These mainly include hotel interns, students, tourists, workers and other professionals. The High Commission has been proactive in reaching out to the Indian nationals here. We are in regular touch with colleges where these students are studying; hotels where interns were working and their agents; and companies where Indian workers are deployed. My colleagues have reached out personally to hundreds of Indians in Mauritius and are also in touch with many of the parents in India and landlords where interns, students and tourists are staying to facilitate their welfare. We have facilitated the issue of various permits and special passes, transport, and medicines during the curfew. We are operating three helplines that are operational 24x7. We are very active in our messaging on social media including Twitter, Facebook and Website. I also reach out through regular video messages. In the initial days of the lockdown and curfew, when supermarkets had been closed down, the Mission worked hard to procure essential groceries and my colleagues went out to distribute these for a large number of those who were facing serious problems. My colleagues also visited colleges and institutions where a large number of Indian students are studying to ascertain the conditions including the food arrangements.&nbsp;

WION: How has the ground situation in Mauritius changed?&nbsp; 
 
Tanmaya Lal: Mauritius is a small remote island but its population density is among the highest in the world. Their economy, especially the tourism sector, and supplies are to a very large extent dependent on the external environment. Despite such concerns and limitations, the Government of Mauritius took strong measures at an early stage to stop international traffic and impose lockdown and then Curfew. The leadership of the country is taking commendable steps on various fronts to contain the pandemic, ensure essential supplies, and institute supportive measures for vulnerable sections and businesses. While the curfew remains extended until the end of this month, a carefully phased reopening is being planned. There are daily high-level briefings. Testing is going on. Mauritius is doing comparatively well in this regard according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Quarantine measures are strictly imposed. The graph of infected cases appears to be flattening. Mass Testing has now commenced.&nbsp;

WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model and how are the Indian diplomats doing?&nbsp; 
 
Tanmaya Lal: There is a lot of interest in the Mauritian leadership and public health experts in understanding the developments and best practices in India. I have personally shared many of the steps underway and containment plans in India with their leadership. At the same time, there is interest in the research being carried out in India especially on drugs and vaccine development and other affordable practical innovations on medical equipment. We are sharing these extensively on our social media platforms also. There is also serious interest in the use of Ayurveda for boosting immunity. I have shared Ayush guidelines with them. We are also regularly sharing these on social media. Mauritian experts are attending some of the technical webinars on managing Covid pandemic organized under our ITEC programme by Indian medical institutions, including by the All India Institute for Ayurveda. Our Culture Centre is conducting online Yoga classes, which also has a high resonance here. Let me thank you for asking about my colleagues. The pandemic and the curfew has also been a quick learning curve for all of us. While we are mostly working from home and engaging regularly through video conferencing, many of us also have to move out daily as part of our work. My colleagues have visited the Medical College before the Curfew and were present at the airport when the last commercial flight was departing to assist Indian students and tourists before the travel restrictions kicked in. They have also assisted a large number of Indians by going out to procure and distribute groceries when required despite the curfew and risks of infection. At the individual level, we continue to take precautions and our morale remains high. We are now engaged in preparing for arrangements for the Indians who need to return to India.

An India built a state-of-the-art energy-efficient hospital in Mauritius, which was opened by Indian PM Modi and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth last year on October 3rd is being used to deal with the COVID crisis, Indian envoy to the country has told WION.

An India built a state-of-the-art energy-efficient hospital in Mauritius, which was opened by Indian PM Modi and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth last year on October 3rd is being used to deal with the COVID crisis, Indian envoy to the country has told WION. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's High Commissioner to Mauritius Tanmaya Lal while talking about the COVID situation in the country lauded the "leadership of the country is taking commendable steps on various fronts to contain the pandemic" and thanked them for "testing and other procedures required" of several Indian workers after one Indian worker was confirmed COVID positive case. He also talked about the ongoing repatriation process for which the mission is currently getting ready and expects around 1000 Indians who may want to return. Remember Mauritius was one of the first countries to which India sent Hydroxychloroquine. WION: How are India and Mauritius cooperating on Covid? We sent them HCQ. Tanmaya Lal: Well, as you are aware, India and Mauritius share a very special relationship. As part of our close ties, there is a longstanding partnership between our countries on the issue of public healthcare. On the Covid pandemic also we are engaging very closely. Mauritius was one of the first partner countries where India was able to bring medicines. Government of Mauritius had made an early request for Hydroxychloroquine and some other medicines. The first consignment of around 13 tons of medicines from India arrived in Mauritius on 15 April. This included half a million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine. This was greatly appreciated here. Hon. Vice Prime Minister Mrs Dookun received the consignment at the airport. Warm messages were exchanged between our Prime Ministers on this. The gesture was well-liked by people, healthcare specialists and received wide media attention. We are working to bring the next consignment of essential medicines in the coming days. This will also include Ayurvedic medicines that have been requested by the Government of Mauritius. You may know that last October Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and Prime Minister Modi had jointly e-inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Hospital in Mauritius as part of our development partnership. The Hospital is currently being extensively used in the context of Coronavirus situation. There are many other ongoing and earlier instances of our partnership in the healthcare sector including in Ayush and traditional medicines fields. In February this year, two senior experts from Mauritius participated in an International Ayush Conference in India. On Monday both India and Mauritius participated in the online meeting of the Contact Group of Non-Aligned Movement on Covid 19. I must point out that the Government of Mauritius has been extremely supportive in helping us take care of the Indian nationals here. Their senior leadership has reassured us of their attention to any facilitation required. They assisted with testing and other procedures required in cases of the large number of Indian workers, which became necessary after one Indian worker was confirmed as a Covid positive case. We are grateful for their help. WION: How has the Indian mission reached out to stranded Indians in the country? Tanmaya Lal: There are around 10,000 Indian nationals in Mauritius. We estimate that around 1,000 of these may need to return to India. These mainly include hotel interns, students, tourists, workers and other professionals. The High Commission has been proactive in reaching out to the Indian nationals here. We are in regular touch with colleges where these students are studying; hotels where interns were working and their agents; and companies where Indian workers are deployed. My colleagues have reached out personally to hundreds of Indians in Mauritius and are also in touch with many of the parents in India and landlords where interns, students and tourists are staying to facilitate their welfare. We have facilitated the issue of various permits and special passes, transport, and medicines during the curfew. We are operating three helplines that are operational 24x7. We are very active in our messaging on social media including Twitter, Facebook and Website. I also reach out through regular video messages. In the initial days of the lockdown and curfew, when supermarkets had been closed down, the Mission worked hard to procure essential groceries and my colleagues went out to distribute these for a large number of those who were facing serious problems. My colleagues also visited colleges and institutions where a large number of Indian students are studying to ascertain the conditions including the food arrangements. WION: How has the ground situation in Mauritius changed? Tanmaya Lal: Mauritius is a small remote island but its population density is among the highest in the world. Their economy, especially the tourism sector, and supplies are to a very large extent dependent on the external environment. Despite such concerns and limitations, the Government of Mauritius took strong measures at an early stage to stop international traffic and impose lockdown and then Curfew. The leadership of the country is taking commendable steps on various fronts to contain the pandemic, ensure essential supplies, and institute supportive measures for vulnerable sections and businesses. While the curfew remains extended until the end of this month, a carefully phased reopening is being planned. There are daily high-level briefings. Testing is going on. Mauritius is doing comparatively well in this regard according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Quarantine measures are strictly imposed. The graph of infected cases appears to be flattening. Mass Testing has now commenced. WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model and how are the Indian diplomats doing? Tanmaya Lal: There is a lot of interest in the Mauritian leadership and public health experts in understanding the developments and best practices in India. I have personally shared many of the steps underway and containment plans in India with their leadership. At the same time, there is interest in the research being carried out in India especially on drugs and vaccine development and other affordable practical innovations on medical equipment. We are sharing these extensively on our social media platforms also. There is also serious interest in the use of Ayurveda for boosting immunity. I have shared Ayush guidelines with them. We are also regularly sharing these on social media. Mauritian experts are attending some of the technical webinars on managing Covid pandemic organized under our ITEC programme by Indian medical institutions, including by the All India Institute for Ayurveda. Our Culture Centre is conducting online Yoga classes, which also has a high resonance here. Let me thank you for asking about my colleagues. The pandemic and the curfew has also been a quick learning curve for all of us. While we are mostly working from home and engaging regularly through video conferencing, many of us also have to move out daily as part of our work. My colleagues have visited the Medical College before the Curfew and were present at the airport when the last commercial flight was departing to assist Indian students and tourists before the travel restrictions kicked in. They have also assisted a large number of Indians by going out to procure and distribute groceries when required despite the curfew and risks of infection. At the individual level, we continue to take precautions and our morale remains high. We are now engaged in preparing for arrangements for the Indians who need to return to India.

India built hospital in Mauritius opened last year being used for covid operations

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