Dead dolphins after oil spill in Mauritius

It appears that the situation in Mauritius is far worse than the official communication from the authorities there indicates. Following our publication on Monday, we received information from our readers suggesting that the consequences of the oil spill from the bulk carrier MV Wakashio are much worse. Unfortunately, this appears to be true…

After conducting research, reliable information was found, including 17 dead dolphins found off the coast of Mauritius. There is no denying that the cause is probably the oil spill from a Japanese bulk carrier that occurred a month ago.

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The dead dolphins were picked up from the coast and transported to the facility, where a specialist will conduct an autopsy to determine the mammals’ immediate cause of death.

The 17 dead dolphins recently found on the coast are the first recorded deaths of these animals since a ship was damaged and oil spilled into the coastal waters. In addition to the dolphins, many dead fish and crabs have also been found so far.

The MV Wakashio ran aground on a nearby coral reef on 25 July, at a site known as Pointe d’Esny, famous for its reserve of wild and very rare wildlife. The area of contamination also includes wetlands designated as sites of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The sight of the dead dolphins caused great anger among local residents.

To see so many dead dolphins on our coast is a real nightmare. Many NGOs, fishermen and experts have argued that the ship should not be sunk where it was done because it is home to dolphins, but once again the authorities have made the wrong decision,” one Nitin Jeeha resident told the BBC.

The local Fisheries Department has confirmed 17 cases of dead dolphins. Some were found already dead, while others were very weak and moribund on the seashore. Oceanographer Vassen Kauppaymuthoo said the dolphins smelled of fuel oil.

In my opinion, this situation will worsen over time,” he said as quoted by local media.

The situation in Mauritius is therefore far from ideal and from what is presented in the official communications. What is most worrying, however, is that the worst may be yet to come.

^{Source: bbc.com
Photo: Nitin Jeeha}