A satellite image of the MV Wakashio shipwreck off the south-east coast of Mauritius, showing efforts to contain the oil from the ship
Oil containment booms have been set up in multiple locations around the area
The ship, believed to have been carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil, ran aground on a coral reef on 25 July
Tourist operators fear the spill will further damage businesses already reeling from the coronavirus epidemic and could cost jobs if pristine beaches are spoiled
The country’s prime minister, Pravind Jugnauth, said on Wednesday nearly all remaining oil had been removed from the damaged Japanese ship, which leaked about 1,000 tonnes
People living in Mauritius have called for urgent international help to stop the ecological and economic damage overwhelming the island nation
The south-east coast where the oil spill happened is famous for snorkelling, kite surfing, sailing, sea flora and fauna
Thousands of volunteers have assembled miles of improvised floating barriers in a desperate attempt to hold back the oily tide
Happy Khambule, from Greenpeace Africa, said: ‘Thousands of species around the pristine lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny and Mahebourg are at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius’s economy, food security and health.’
