MV Wakashio Updates - August 22, 2020
Operations to sink the forward part of the MV Wakashio, at a depth of 3,000 metres, 40 kilometres off the south eastern coast of Mauritius, is being completed this evening. Authorities confirm that prior to this, all tests had been competed to ensure that there were no toxic or polluting substance on the immersed structure.
The aft section of the shipwreck remains on the reef where it ran aground nearly 1 month ago. Pumping operations are ongoing to remove a relatively smaller amount of diesel from the engine room.
The Special Casualty Representative has been urged by Mauritian authorities to complete the dismantling of the aft section, consisting of around 8,000 tons of metal, before the cyclonic season starting in November.
Efforts are also ongoing to clean the lagoons and the coastline affected by the spillage. More international and local experts have joined teams already at work.
Free floating oil is being contained with absorbent floating booms. The National Coast Guard is constantly monitoring those booms, replacing, and repairing them where required.
The air and water in affected areas are being tested regularly. Except for some mild smells, tests have not revealed the presence of any volatile organic compound in residential areas.
The oil spill remains within a range of 10 to 12 kilometres of coastline. 310 kilometres, representing more than 96% of the island’s seashore have not been affected.
