Japan has sent five additional experts specialized in reef and mangroves ecosystem. They will join the specialists already here from France, Japan, UK, India and the UN and work to reinforce local institutions for capacity building such as the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, the Mauritius Oceanography Institute and the National Environmental Laboratory. Eight local experts from the University of Mauritius have also joined in. While cleaning operations continue, the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change has set up a hotline (5471 0384 / 85) to receive complaints and suggestions from members of the public.
The stern (rear part) is still stuck on the reefs at Pointe d’Esny. There was oil in the engine room but the authorities have completed the pumping of this oil on August 23rd to remove the threat of another spill. This part is expected to be dismantled by November 1st, before the cyclonic season.
Hugues Vitry, Mauritian diver and Vice President of the Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation also says that he gave his advice on the place where the wreck was to be sunk, and that the chosen site is not a nursing and breeding ground for whales.
In an interview on Radio Plus, Mrs Jacqueline Sauzier President of the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS) stated: ‘Many have been commenting it could affect whales. But the wreck will lie 3000 m deep in the ocean. One should worry that the actual marine traffic, drifting nets or plastic waste floating in the ocean have more impact on whales. We have been told that this part of the ship contains no petroleum products, so for me, its effect on the marine ecosystem will be minimal’.
On August 19, the authorities proceeded with the tugging of the bow section of the M V Wakashio. Two tug boats pulled the wreck some 16 nautical miles (30 kms) east of Vieux Grand Port where it sunk today around 15h30, and lies at a depth of over 3000 m. Despite the fact that the wreckage was not completely de-polluted, authorities and marine specialists believe it is ‘clean’ enough and sinking it is the best solution.
