Post by Miguel Quintana

Environmental #disaster in the Indian Ocean: authorities in #Mauritius racing to prevent major #oilspill after cargo ship runs aground about 3km off the coast. The 100,000-ton Wakashio (International Maritime Organization number 9337119), operated by Japanese company Okiyo Maritime Corp. under a Panama flag, reportedly carries 200 tons of diesel and 3,800 tons of fuel. The bulk carrier ran aground on a coral reef off Pointe d’Esny on July 25. All 20 crew were rescued. At first, local authorities claimed the ship was “stable” and “could not sink”. But on Thursday Aug.6, the #Environment ministry struck a more urgent tone and announced that oil was leaking from a breach in the hull. “All necessary measures are being taken (...) to contain the spill,” said an official communique. The accident is unfolding in slow motion. Local #media have been leading the charge to raise awareness about the catastrophe, as well as French #surfing magazine SURF SESSION. The question now is whether it will pop up on the radar of international media, and perhaps trigger a more effective response. Links + resources + related story in comments section. #oilindustry #pollution #marineconservation #shippingindustry #Japan BBC News European Broadcasting Union CNN