Mobilisation Nationale Wakashio

Mobilisation Nationale Wakashio

Wakashio: The country mobilized

13 days ago - The bulk carrier MV Wakashio ran aground on the reefs off Pointe d ' Esny. Since yesterday, the bulk carrier's hull was breached resulting in an oil spillage in the lagoon on August 6, 2020.

August 7, 2020 - A joint government, civil society and private sector committee met this morning, under the aegis of the Prime Minister's Office. A coordinated effort was initiated involving The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Reef Conservation, Eco-Sud and other environmental NGOs. They are working to urgently, identify and implement the most appropriate solutions. The committee is being supported by relevant technical professionals including those from the company, Poly Eco.

For their own safety, the public has been urged to stay away from areas of operations, as hydrocarbon fumes are highly toxic and injurious to health.

Cleaning actions will be carried out professionally and the efforts of volunteers will need to be coordinated by competent authorities.

Appropriate safety equipment (PPE) will be made available to volunteers to ensure that cleaning actions are implemented safely. Areas of operation will be kept off bounds and access will be controlled.

For now, volunteers may register on the Ministry of the Environment website at the following address: shorturl.at/eksBX

Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change