09/08/2020
A TRAGEDY UNFOLDS
In the late hours of Saturday 25 July 2020, Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio sailing under the Panama flag ran aground on the barrier reef of the south-eastern coast of Mauritius. The ship was on a voyage from Singapore to Brazil and was reported to carry 3800 tonnes of fuel oil. The circumstances in which the accident happened still remain to be determined and communicated. Over a span of nearly 2 weeks, the ship remained essentially at the location of grounding while changing orientation under wave action.
As from around the 5 August, photos of the stranded ship indicated the stern was sinking while the prow appeared increasingly exposed. This attitude was evidence that the hull had been breached and that compartments in the stern area were increasingly flooded. Still in this attitude, with the fore section of the hull decreasingly supported by buoyancy forces, the flexing of the hull appears to have reached a point where significant hull fractures appeared.
As from the 6 August, the ship started releasing oil which rapidly spread to the neighbouring lagoon. The local authorities have responded with locally available means while tugs, mostly sailing from abroad, gradually reached the area to participate in a salvage operation. The lagoon and coastal areas as at today Saturday 8 August are now considerably and increasingly soiled. The area also harbours ecologically sensitive zones such as a bird sanctuary on l’Ile aux Aigrettes. It is expected that under the action of sea currents, wind and wave action, farther areas along the coastline will gradually be affected by the spill.
Currently, increasing efforts are being waged with the help of other countries. In particular France, from Reunion Island, is sending additional resources and equipment to contain the spill. Local communities and firms are also participating in the cleaning efforts and are assembling makeshift floating barriers.
Over the coming days, attempts will be made to pump out the oil still present on the ship which, considering photographic reports of the breaches in the hull, is unlikely to be able to sail further.
Beyond the ecological impact, this event is set to have considerable economic consequences over time. Many earn a living from fishing and there are aquaculture activities nearby. The coastline niches many exclusive resorts, while many operators run sea excursions around. All are now under the extended threat of the oil spill and its consequences, while the economic effects of the COVID 19 pandemic are still unfolding.
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/photos/of/ships/shipid:463306/
