MV Wakashio oil spill
LocationOffshore of Pointe d'Esny, south of Mauritius
Coordinates20°26′17.23″S 57°44′40.67″E / 20.4381194°S 57.7446306°E / -20.4381194; 57.7446306
Date25 July 2020 (25 July 2020)
Cause
CauseGrounding of MV Wakashio
OperatorMitsui O.S.K. Lines
Spill characteristics
Volume1,000 metric tons fuel oil
Area27 km2 (10 sq mi)
Satellite view of MV Wakashio oil spill and surrounding area (11 August 2020)

The MV Wakashio oil spill occurred after the Japanese-controlled 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 she 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. Two weeks after the incident, the Mauritian government declared the incident a national emergency.[1]

    The ship

    MV Wakashio, a large capesize bulk carrier, was built by the Universal Shipbuilding Corporation of Tsu, Japan.[2] She was laid down on 23 September 2004, launched on 9 March 2007, and was delivered on 30 May 2007.[2] She had 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).[2][3] She was powered by a single diesel engine that gave her a service speed of 14.5 knots (26.9 km/h).[2] The ship belonged to Okiyo Maritime Corp., an associate company of Nagashiki Shipping Co. Ltd.,[4] and was operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.[5] At the time of her grounding, Wakashio was sailing under a Panamanian flag of convenience while under Japanese ownership.[3] The ship was sailing without cargo,[6] and departed from Lianyungang, China on 4 July, stopped in Singapore, and was scheduled to reach Tubarão, Brazil on 13 August.[7] A crew of 20 was on board,[5] none of whom were injured.[4]

    Japan's ClassNK inspection body said in a statement on 11 August that the ship had passed an annual inspection in March. Mitsui OSK said they doubted whether the incident would have a significant effect on their earnings.[8]

    Incident

    IMO workers in hazmat suits stand in surf near the wreck on 13 August 2020

    Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef on 25 July, but did not immediately begin leaking oil.[6] Oil began to leak from the ship on 6 August,[6] by which time Mauritius authorities were trying to control the spill and minimize its effects. They isolated environmentally sensitive areas of the coast while waiting for help from foreign countries to pump out an estimated 3,890 tons of very low sulphur-fuel oil.[9][10] By 10 August, about 1,000 metric tons of fuel had spilled, with estimates of the remaining oil onboard ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 metric tons.[6][11] High winds and 5 metres (16 ft) waves halted cleanup efforts on 10 August; visible cracks in the hull of the ship led to worries that the ship might "break in two," according to Mauritius' prime minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.[12] Jugnauth said that 3,000 tons of oil had been pumped out of the ship's fuel reservoirs. Data from Finnish Iceye satellites indicated the spill had increased from 3.3 km2 (1.3 sq mi) on 6 August to 27 km2 (10 sq mi) on 11 August.[13]

    The ship broke up on 15 August when there were still 166 tons of fuel inside. Waves 4.5 metres (15 ft) high hindered cleanup.[14] After she split, Wakashio's bow section was towed into the open ocean and scuttled on 24 August.[15] Recovery operations continued around the stern section, which remained aground, and on 31 August a tugboat working on the wreck sank after colliding with a barge in heavy weather, killing at least three crewmembers.[16] In October, a salvage contract for the remaining stern section of Wakashio, still grounded on the reef, was awarded to Lianyungang Dali Underwater Engineering of China, which planned to begin deconstruction in December and continue for at least several months.[17]

    According to investigators who conducted interviews with crew members, the crew had been celebrating the birthday of a sailor on board the ship at the time of the grounding, had sailed near shore for a wi-fi signal.[18] However, local police denied reports that the ship had sailed close to land seeking a Wi-Fi signal, saying that looking for a phone signal would not have required sailing so close to land.[19] Plus, the ship's vessel operator, Mitsui OSK Lines, stated that their fleet had access to free and unlimited internet access. The ship then failed to respond to warnings of the errant course.[18][20] The ship's captain, a 58-year old Indian national named Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, and deputy captain were arrested on 18 August on suspicion of negligence in operating the vessel.[21][22][19]

    The grounding happened at an area which is listed under the Ramsar convention on wetlands of international importance and near the marine park of Blue Bay.[3][23] Tourism plays a major role in the economy of Mauritius, accounting for about MRs. 63 billion (about US$1.51 billion) in spending in 2019, and is centered around marine scenery and animals likely to be endangered by the oil spill.[24] Greenpeace stated that "[t]housands of species [...] are at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius' economy, food security and health."[24]

    Aftermath

    Cleanup

    Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth declared a "state of environmental emergency" and requested help from international community.[25] "When biodiversity is in peril, there is urgency to act,"

    India acted as first responder on 11 August 2020, Indian Oil Mauritius Ltd (IOML) started to evacuate oil from the breached vessel onto the IOML barge Tresta Star, which had a capacity to hold 1,000 tonnes of oil.[26]

    India sent 30 tonnes (30 long tons; 33 short tons) of technical equipment and material to the country to help contain the oil spill as well as a 10-member team of the Indian Coast Guard specialising in containing oil spills[27] Including Graphene oil absorbent pads called as 'Sorbene' pads, and are being used in the cleanup operation. These special pads were supplied by Mumbai-headquartered clean-tech startup Log 9 Spill Containment Pvt. Ltd. These Graphene-based 'Sorbene' pads are able to absorb large volumes of oil and can be reused for up to 6-7 times so that the sorbents can provide more recovery of spilled oil".

    French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, "France is there. Alongside the people of Mauritius. You can count on our support dear Jugnauth."[28] France sent both military and civilian equipment and personnel from its overseas territory of Réunion.[24]

    Local volunteers joined forces to remedy the situation by making cloth barriers stuffed with straw and human hair.[29] Japan sent a six-member crew of specialists to help in the cleanup.[12]

    The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said the spill "risks bringing devastating consequences for the economy, food security, health and tourism industry."[30] The group also reminded countries about the importance of international legal instruments such as the HNS Convention for liability and compensation.[30]

    In August 2020, Japan P&I, the insurer of Wakashio, appointed two companies namely Polyeco SA and Le Floch Depollution for the clean-up operations in the south east of Mauritius.[31]

    Spilled oil was collected and loaded onto barges for handling in Port Louis.[32] On 31 August, a fatal accident occurred during a squall when the tug Sir Gaëtan Duval collided with its barge and subsequently sank; three of the eight-person crew were killed and one more was reported missing.[32][33]

    By early November, all surface oil had been removed from Mauritius waters, and restoration of the coastline was expected to be completed by early 2021.[17]

    On 15 December 2020, Polyeco SA announced that they completed the clean-up of 21 kilometres (13 mi) of shorelines namely Blue Bay, Pointe d'Esny, Preskil Hotel, Pointe Jérôme, Mahebourg Waterfront, Petit Bel Air, Anse Fauvrelle, Rivière des Créoles, Pointe Brocus, l'Île Aux Aigrettes, l'Île Mouchoir Rouge and l'Île des Deux Cocos.[34]

    A media tour was organized by Japan P&I Club on 14 January 2021 following the clean-up operations in the south east of Mauritius. The operations mobilized a total of 370 people over a period of 5 months. Some 1,300 cubic metres (46,000 cu ft) of liquid waste was pumped and treated at the Virgin Oil Ltd and Eco Fuel Ltd oil refineries, while 7,900 cubic metres (280,000 cu ft) of solid waste was extracted from the shorelines.[31]

    Anti-government protests

    Port Louis protest (31 August 2020)

    Perceived failure of the government to respond promptly and effectively resulted in protests.[35] In Mauritius, thousands of protesters assembled in the capital Port Louis, focusing on the Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, including calls for the prime minister to step down.[35] The Prime Minister has denied any responsibility.[36] International protests, primarily led by Mauritian diaspora, also occurred in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the UK.[37]

    The government has suspended the parliament, and has been accused of suppressing local media and preventing independent reporting regarding the incident, drawing sharp rebuke.[38] Additionally, the government has been criticised for delegating critical decision-making to faceless and unaccountable 'advisors'.[38]

    Calls for shipping industry reform

    The oil spill has, along with the 2020 Beirut explosion, brought into sharp contrast failures of the shipping industry, with critics highlighting lax attitude to operational safety.[38][39] Shipping industry commentators and publications have also called for self-reflection by the stakeholders, including supporting the calls for increased shipping industry financial responsibility when it comes to disaster response and cleanup.[40]

    Court trial

    Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, captain, was found guilty under the 2007 Merchant Shipping Act by the Court of Investigation, Mauritius, and admitted to being moderately under the influence of alcohol. Further investigation found that the lookout officer had been allowed to stay at the birthday party which meant that he could not ensure the safe navigation of the ship. Nandeshwar publicly apologized for his actions, while first officer, Hitihanillage Subhoda Janendra Tilakaratna (also convicted) pled for leniency. The duo were sentenced on 27 December 2021.[41]

    In her ruling magistrate Ida Dookhy-Rambarun refused to commute the sentences to time served and ordered Captain Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar (aged 58) and second officer Hitihanillage Subhoda Janendra Tilakaratna (aged 45) to remain in prison for 4 additional months. Magistrate Ida Dookhy-Rambarun called their actions irresponsible when she imposed the 20-month sentences, adding that they failed to monitor their ship and became too distracted whilst looking for a Wi-Fi signal from shore to allow the crew to connect with families after being separated during the COVID-19 pandemic. They had both pleaded guilty to endangering safe navigation. Immediately after the 27 December 2021 court hearing, the port agent updated the two men's passports and travel documents to expedite their departures. Captain Nandeshwar returned to his family in Bhopal, central India and issued a statement thanking the Maritime Union of India (MUI), High Commission of India in Port Louis, Shipping Ministry of India, and External Affairs Ministry of India for their support. MV Wakashio's second officer Tilakaratna had been the watch officer and switched the vessel on autopilot. He admitted to failing to consult the vessel's echo sounder before hitting the reef, and also failed to object to the lookout not being present on the bridge of the doomed vessel. First officer, Robert Geonzon Secuya, and chief engineer, Pritam Singh, were released on 23 December 2021, after being detailed as potential witnesses in the trial.[42][43]

    Environmental damage

    Pointe d'Esny beach before the oil spill

    Oceanographer and environmental engineer Vassen Kauppaymuthoo said, "Around a little bit less than 50 percent of this lagoon is covered by environmentally sensitive areas, be it corals, be it seagrass, be it mangroves, be it entire mudflats, sand beaches and dunes, which is huge. Which confirms the sensitivity of this lagoon, in terms of oil spill." Ecotoxicologist Christopher Goodchild from Oklahoma State University said, "With this oil spill it looks like there is infiltration out of the mangroves, so you have the oily substance that can bind to organic matter or dirt and start to settle in and just being able to remove that toxic sediment can be a real challenge."[44] Flakes of the damaged anti-fouling coating on the hull can also poison the marine fauna and flora on the reef and surroundings in a similar fashion to what occurred on the Great Barrier Reef.[45] Reuters quoted unnamed scientists as saying that the spill was likely the worst environmental incident in the history of Mauritius, with effects possibly lingering for decades.[14]

    From 6 to 11 August, the spill expanded to over 26 square kilometres (10 sq mi).[46] The island's environment minister Kavy Ramano, together with the fisheries minister, told the press that it was the first time that the country faced a catastrophe of this magnitude, and that they were insufficiently equipped to handle the problem.[3]

    Many dead sea mammals washed up on local beaches in the days following the spill,[39] and more have been found seriously ill.[35] Among the dead animals are dolphins[39][35][47] and melon-headed whales.[35]

    Compensation and cleanup funding

    Mauritius requested compensation for the spill from Wakashio owner Nagashiki Shipping, which according to the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage is responsible for oil damage. The ruling treaty for the circumstances of the incident is the 1976 Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, which prescribes a maximum payout of ¥2 billion (about US$18.7 million) in the original draft to which Mauritius is a signatory, and ¥7 billion (about US$65.6 million) according to a 1996 amendment signed by Japan. Wakashio is insured by the Japanese P&I Club for up to US$1 billion; the agency said it expected to pay at least some portion of the cost of the recovery effort.[48]

    On 2 September 2020, Mauritius also asked Japan to pay US$34 million in reparations for the disaster; the island nation demanded the money to "support local fishermen whose livelihoods were adversely impacted by an oil leak last month", according to a Mauritian government document.[49]

    The ship's operator/charterer, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, pledged ¥1 billion (about US$9.37 million).[50] The Mauritius Natural Environment Recovery Fund will "fund environmental projects and support the local fishing community".[51] The president of MOL cited the payment as their "social responsibility" while apologizing for the damage.[51] MOL also expects that ship owner Nagashiki Shipping will contribute to the Fund.[51]

    The local NGO, No To Poverty, said that MV Wakashio oil spill incident was an act and/or combination of acts that endanger/s the health, life, property, morals or comfort of the public or obstruct the right of the public in the exercise or enjoyment of rights common to all and the locals shall be treated fairly for compensation. No To Poverty's president expressed worry that more efforts will be given for the cleaning up and the negative economic impacts of the oil spill which is worsening the poverty situation on the island ignored.[52]

    See also

    References

    1. ↑ Navin Singh, Khadka (12 August 2020). "Why the Mauritius oil spill is so serious". BBC News. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
    2. 1 2 3 4 "Wakashio (9337119)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
    3. 1 2 3 4 "Mauritius facing environmental crisis as shipwreck leaks oil". The Guardian. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
    4. 1 2 "当社船 座礁及び油濁発生の件" [Matter of agrounding of our ship and occurrence of oil spill]. Nagashiki Shipping Co., Ltd. (in Japanese). Retrieved 8 August 2020.
    5. 1 2 "Capesize Bulker "Wakashio" Aground off Mauritius". Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
    6. 1 2 3 4 Bearak, Max (9 August 2020). "Rough seas are hampering response to Mauritius ship leak; oil spill reaches 1,000 tons". The Washington Post. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
    7. ↑ "Wakashio". marinetraffic.com. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    8. ↑ "Japanese ship that caused Mauritius oil spill passed annual checks". Reuters. 12 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    9. ↑ Kabukuru, Wanjohi (30 September 2020). "Stark warning from Mauritius oil spill". New Africa Magazine. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
    10. ↑ "Government is taking necessary actions to contain oil spill from MV Wakashio". Republic of Mauritius. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
    11. ↑ "A Race Against Time to Stop a Cargo Ship Breaking Up on a Mauritius Coral Reef". The Wall Street Journal. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
    12. 1 2 "Mauritius oil spill: Fears vessel may 'break in two' as cracks appear". BBC News. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    13. ↑ "Almost all oil removed from wrecked Mauritius ship". BBC News. 12 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    14. 1 2 Mohammed, Omar (15 August 2020). "Japanese ship involved in Mauritius oil spill breaks apart". Reuters. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    15. ↑ "Wakashio Scuttled off Mauritius as Cleanup Continues". The Maritime Executive. 24 August 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
    16. ↑ "Tug Involved in Mauritius Cleanup Sinks Killing Three". The Maritime Executive. 1 September 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
    17. 1 2 "Salvage to Begin in Mauritius on Wakashio Wreck". The Maritime Executive. 5 November 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
    18. 1 2 "Recherche de connexion Wi-Fi: une théorie pour mener en bateau?". leexpress.mu (in French). 18 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    19. 1 2 "Mauritius arrests captain of stricken Japanese oil tanker". Reuters. 19 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
    20. ↑ Chambers, Sam (14 August 2020). "Birthday party and quest for wifi revealed in lead up to Wakashio grounding off Mauritius". Splash 247. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
    21. ↑ "Mauritius oil spill: MV Wakashio captain arrested". BBC News. 18 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    22. ↑ "Mauritius arrests captain of Japan-owned ship that leaked oil". Kyodo News+. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
    23. ↑ "Ship Leaks Oil into the Ocean Near Mauritius, Environmental DISASTER - 6 Aug. / 9 Aug. 2020". 9 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020 – via YouTube.
    24. 1 2 3 "Oil spill threatens ecological disaster as Mauritius declares emergency". Reuters. 8 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    25. ↑ "Mauritius oil spill: people arrive en masse in bid to limit spread". AFP. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020 – via YouTube.
    26. ↑ Mohan, Geeta (13 August 2020). "India assists Mauritus in evacuating oil from breached Japanese vessel". India Today. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    27. ↑ PTI (16 August 2020). "India sends assistance to Mauritius to help deal with oil spill". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    28. ↑ Anna, Cara (8 August 2020). "Mauritius declares emergency as stranded ship spills fuel". Associated Press News. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    29. ↑ "Mauritius oil spill: Locals scramble to contain environmental damage". BBC News. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    30. 1 2 Asariotis, Regina & Premti, Anila (14 August 2020). "Mauritius oil spill highlights importance of adopting latest international legal instruments in the field". UNCTAD Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
    31. 1 2 "MV Wakashio : Travaux de nettoyage achevés à Pointe d'Esny". gis.govmu.org. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
    32. 1 2 Degnarain, Nishan (31 August 2020). "3 Dead in Mauritius As Wakashio Support Vessel Sinks in Coral Lagoon Towing Oil Barge". Forbes. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
    33. ↑ "Two dead, two others missing after tug responding to Wakashio oil spill sinks off Mauritius". Work Boat World. Baird Maritime. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
    34. ↑ Edouard, Olivier (15 December 2020). "Post-Wakashio : Polyeco complète le nettoyage de 21 km de littoral". Le Mauricien (in French). Retrieved 18 February 2021.
    35. 1 2 3 4 5 "Mauritius: Thousands protest over government response to oil spill". Deutsche Welle. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
    36. ↑ "Massive oil spill prompts largest protest in Mauritius in 40 years". South China Morning Post. 30 August 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
    37. ↑ Degnarain, Nishan (29 August 2020). "Mauritius Sees Popular Protests Over Handling of the Wakashio Oil Spill And Whale Deaths". Forbes. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
    38. 1 2 3 Degnarain, Nishan (3 September 2020). "Global Shipping's Moral Authority Plunges in Mauritius As Pope Intervenes in Wakashio Saga". Forbes.
    39. 1 2 3 Hattrup, Kathleen N. (31 August 2020). "Pope laments oil spill near Mauritius as Christians unite to pray for respect of creation". Aleteia. Aleteia SAS. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
    40. ↑ "Opinion: Learn the lessons before the next Wakashio comes – From public relations handling to seafarer criminalisation, the crew change crisis and the industry's pollution compensation regime, last weekend's spectacular casualty off Mauritius is another catastrophic own goal for shipping". Lloyd’s List. Informa plc. 21 August 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
    41. ↑ "Mauritius oil spill: Captain guilty over tanker spill". BBC News. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
    42. ↑ Mohabuth, Yasine. "Mauritius oil spill: MV Wakashio ship captain sentenced". BBC News. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
    43. ↑ "Wakashio Saga Ends as Captain Returns to India After 16 Months in Jail". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
    44. ↑ "Counting the environmental cost of the Mauritius oil spill". Reuters. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    45. ↑ "Ship's hull paint killing coral". The Sydney Morning Herald. 13 April 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
    46. ↑ Dahir, Abdi Latif & Peltier, Elian (17 August 2020). "'This Is Unforgivable': Anger Mounts Over Mauritius Oil Spill". The New York Times. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    47. ↑ Degnarain, Nishan (31 August 2020). "47 Whales Now Confirmed Dead in Mauritius Amid International Condemnation of Global Shipping". Forbes. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
    48. ↑ "Explainer: Who pays for Mauritius oil spill and how much?". Reuters. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
    49. ↑ "Mauritius oil spill: Japan asked to pay $34 million, support local fishermen". DW. 2 September 2020.
    50. ↑ "Mauritius ship operator Mitsui OSK to pay ¥1 billion for recovery". The Japan Times. The Japan Times Ltd. Reuters. 11 September 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
    51. 1 2 3 Yamaguchi, Mari (11 September 2020). "Japan ship operator to pay $9M over Mauritius oil spill". The Washington Post. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
    52. ↑ "NO TO POVERTY - MAURITIUS". 20 February 2021.
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