Devastating Oil Spill Threatens Pristine Coral Reefs, Its an Ecological Disaster

Ariel and satellite photos show the devastation resulting from a huge oil spill off the coast of Mauritius.

On July 25, 2020 a Japanese bulk carrier ran aground on a reef off Mauritius’ southeast coast. Apparently, this wreck remained there for over 2 weeks while officials seemingly organizing their resources. This is, after all, a relatively rare occurrence for the small island.

Now everyone is scrambling from local residents to corporate and government organizations to mitigate the damage that is occurring due to the oil spillage.

Updates & latest news on the Mauritius oil spill.( Update)

Watch this video report for more details.

On Thursday, the government said fuel was leaking from a crack in the vessel’s hull and Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth declared a state of environmental emergency, pleading for international help.

“The sinking of the #Wakashio represents a danger for Mauritius,” Jugnauth said.

Environmental group Greenpeace said the spill was to likely to be one of the most terrible ecological crises that Mauritius has ever seen.

“Thousands of species around the pristine lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny and Mahebourg are at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius’ economy, food security and health,” Greenpeace said in a statement.

Satellite images released on Friday showed a slick spreading out into the turquoise waters surrounding the stricken vessel. Some fuel has washed ashore.

France was sending specialist teams and equipment to help Mauritius deal with the spill, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

H/T news.yahoo.com

Experts currently fear catastrophic damage if the ship should break up.

This is really sad news, lets hope that the efforts of all involved will do what is needed to get this situation under control and back in order.

Images Source: YouTube Clips

Read more details here on news.yahoo.com

[Updated 10/6/2021]