Worst oil spill catastrophe ever in Mauritius history, WAKASHIO tanker dumped over 1 million litres into Indian Ocean

Japan to dispatch disaster recovery experts to assist with the WAKASHIO oil spill clean up

Japan has dispatched the third Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Expert Team, which consists of 6 members, to the Republic of Mauritius to deal with the oil spill from the bulk carrier “WAKASHIO” which has been stranded off the coast of the country since July 25th. The team will leave Japan on September 2nd to undertake on-site environmental assistance activities after arriving in the country.

The oil spill occurred offshore of Pointe d’Esny, south of Mauritius, after the Japanese oil tanker Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 2020. The ship began to leak fuel oil in the following weeks, and broke apart in mid August. Although much of the oil on board Wakashio was pumped out before she broke in half, an estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the ocean in what was called by some scientists the worst environmental disaster ever in Mauritius. Wiki

The accident has caused serious damage to the environment in the Republic of Mauritius, which could have a serious impact on the country’s tourism industry as well. Japan has decided to dispatch the team out of comprehensive and holistic consideration of all circumstances, including the request of assistance from the Government of the Republic of Mauritius and the friendly relationship between the two countries.

Japan will continue to closely cooperate with the Government of the Republic of Mauritius as well as relevant countries and organizations, and make utmost efforts to contribute to the restoration of natural environment and the recovery of economic activities of the Republic of Mauritius.

Image source WAKASHIO- Oil Spill – Canada

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