Mauritius: Authorities declare state of environmental emergency due to oil spill August 7

Event

Mauritius' Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth announced on Friday, August 7, that the island nation had declared a state of environmental emergency due to an oil spill off its shores. The Japanese vessel MV Wakashio ran aground on July 25 on a coral reef just offshore in the Pointe d'Esny area. The vessel was carrying 4000 tons of fuel and cracks have appeared in its hull, leaking fuel into the surrounding waters. Jugnauth has appealed to France for assistance as the country lacks the expertise to deal with the situation. Mauritius' nearest neighbor is the French island of Reunion.

Residual disruption is to be expected in the vicinity of the spill as the response operations continue.

Advice

Individuals in Mauritius are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the coastline in the vicinity of the spill, and follow all instructions issued by authorities.