BEACHES ARE SAFE, GOVERNMENT ASSURES MAURITIANS
The recent grounding of a cargo vessel carrying rice to the Ivory Coast on a reef off the Mauritius shoreline has caused concerns of a potential oil spillage, which could be hugely damaging to the reef’s ecosystem and the beaches of the island. The vessel, following an engine breakdown, had to seek emergency anchorage and then got ‘stuck’ on the reef, prompting widespread fears of an oil or fuel leak. However, government has now assured the public, and the concerned resort operators likely to be affected, that fuel oil is being pumped out of the vessel and that the salvage operation should be completed by Saturday this week. ‘Oil booms’ and other equipment are deployed and at the time the information was given no spill of any sort has been detected. It was however also conceded that the removal of the stranded ship could take up to another month before it can be safely towed into Port Louis’ harbour for repairs.
Keeping fingers crossed to keep the pristine beach environment of Mauritius safe.
