MV Wakashio Updates - August 13, 2020

A more delicate operation is ongoing to remove the remaining hydrocarbon from the tanks of the Wakashio. The bulk carrier was emptied of most of its payload yesterday with only 150 cubic metres of hydraulic and lubricating fluid remaining. 20 Cubic metres are expected to be removed tonight and the remaining 130 cubic metres are expected to be removed by tomorrow, Friday 14 August.

Cleaning and decontamination efforts are also ongoing. 22 international experts mainly from France, Japan and the United Nations are assisting local teams.

With the seas expected to be rough in the coming days, best efforts are being deployed to contain the spillage which is localized mainly in the south eastern region of the island. Lagoons and seashores in other parts of Mauritius are still pristine.

With most of the hydrocarbon emptied from the tanks of the Wakashio, risks of further spillage have been averted.