Tokyo, Aug. 10, (dpa/GNA) – The operator of a Japanese-owned freighter that ran aground off Mauritius said on Sunday that more than 1,000 tons of fuel oil have leaked from the ship.
“We’re terribly sorry,” Akihiko Ono, vice president of Mitsui OSK Lines, told a news conference in Tokyo.
The freighter was carrying a total of some 3,800 tons of fuel oil when it ran aground on July 25 off the coast of the popular Indian Ocean tourist island, but only began leaking oil on Thursday, according to the major shipping company.
Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a state of environmental emergency on Friday.
Ono said the company will make all-out efforts to deal with the environmental crisis in cooperation with Nagashiki Shipping, which owns the ship.
Nagashiki Shipping said attempts to refloat the ship have been foiled due to poor weather conditions.
A Japanese disaster relief team will be dispatched at the request of Mauritius, Kyodo News reported, citing the Foreign Ministry.
The team will start relief activities such as oil removal on site upon arrival, the report said.
“The accident could have a serious impact on the environment and the tourism industry of Mauritius,” the ministry said in a statement. “We hope that this assistance will contribute to recovery of the environment of Mauritius and prevention of marine pollution.”
Greenpeace said the spill from the bulk carrier would have devastating consequences for the island nation that sits some 2,000 kilometres off the coast of Africa and is known for its white beaches.
Nagashiki Shipping reported no injuries among its crew, all of whom are now in quarantine on the island, local media reported.
GNA