OIL SPILL MAURITIUS
Mauritius is facing an environmental disaster : oil spill from the MV Wakashio vessel that ran aground in Pointe d'Esny on the night of the 25th of July. The bulk carrier was carrying around 200 tonnes of diesel and 3,800 tonnes of heavy oil.
The affected area is home to nature reserves and sensitive Ramsar protected ecological areas with one of the most diverse ecosystems and most pristine lagoons of the island.
The spill has now spread further along the coast line, the shores covered in thick black oil with areas around Rivière des Créoles being the hardest hit. Schools in the area are still closed due to the toxic smell.
2,784 metric tons have been removed from the ship and the remaining 166 metric tons left expected to be pumped out tomorrow 13th August. The bow resting on the coral reef, the vessel could break apart at any moment due to the swells and constant movement along the crack.
HOW TO HELP
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You have to be registered with Eco-Sud to be able to volunteer on site.
You will not be allowed on site without PPE due to health risks related to oil spill exposure. Follow the instructions given by the NGO.
You can still volunteer on other sites where teams are making Booms/ Boué Sarlon/ Boudins.
STAYING SAFE ON SITE +
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS
BREATHE FRESH AIR EVERY 30 - 45 MINS
STAY HYDRATED
DO NOT EAT NEAR CONTAMINATED WATER POINTS
USE PPE (MASK + GLOVES + BOOTS) NEAR/ IN CONTAMINATED WATER
SHOWER AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME
IF MAKING OIL BOOMS,GO PREPARED: BRING MASKS, GLOVES / TROUSERS / SLEEVES TO MANIPULATE STRAW
USEFUL LINKS
ABOUT THE AREA
POINTE D'ESNY WETLAND - 22 hectares Ramsar protected site
Subtropical mangrove forest and one of the rare and largest remaining wetlands of Mauritius, providing local flood abatement functions and habitat to some endangered plants and native species.
BLUE BAY MARINE PARK - 353 hectares Ramsar protected site.
The unique underwater seascape is home to around 38 coral species, some 72 fish and the endangered green turtle. It also features a 1,000-year-old brain coral measuring more than 5-metres in diameter.
ILE AUX AIGRETTES - 27 hectares Nature Reserve.
The island is made of coralline limestone unlike the mainland of volcanic origin. It is home to endemic species and is the last remnants of the dry coastal forest once found on the mainland.
MAHEBOURG
Fisherman village known for having preserved its charm, history and authenticity with markets and events such as Regatta festivals. It is a unique ecosystem on its own being surrounded by sea, beaches, islets, river, mountains and wetlands. With the Lion Mountain in the backdrop, it has witnessed historical events such as The Battle of Grand-Port in 1810.
We are trying as much as we can to update daily.
last updated 13 Aug 2020 01:50
image credits: Eric Villars