The MV Wakashio oil spill occurred offshore of Pointe d'Esny, south of the Republic of Mauritius, after the bulk carrier Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef on 25 July 2020 at around 16:00 UTC. The ship began to leak fuel oil in the following weeks, and broke apart in mid August. Although much of the oil on board Wakashio was pumped out before it broke in half, an estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the ocean in what was called by some scientists the worst environmental disaster ever in Mauritius.
MV Wakashio, a large capesize bulk carrier, was built by the Universal Shipbuilding Corporation of Tsu, Japan. She was laid down on 23 September 2004, launched on 9 March 2007, and was delivered on 30 May 2007. She has a deadweight tonnage of 203,000 tons, a length overall of 299.95 metres (984 ft 1 in), and a beam of 50 metres (164 ft 1 in). She is powered by a single diesel engine that gives her a service speed of 14.5 knots (26.9 km/h). The ship belongs to Okiyo Maritime Corp., an associate company of Nagashiki Shipping Co. Ltd., and is operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. At the time of her grounding, Wakashio was flying under a Panamanian flag of convenience, despite her Japanese ownership. The ship was sailing without cargo, and departed from Lianyungang, China on 4 July, stopped in Singapore, and was scheduled to reach Tubarão, Brazil on 13 August. A crew of 20 was on board, none of whom were injured.
Press Release:
(Sitting of Tuesday 18 August 2020)
Photos:
