Mauritian authorities on Tuesday arrested the Indian captain of Japanese ship that wrecked off the island nation’s coast, causing an oil spill in one of the world’s most pristine maritime environments.
The MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef on July 25 and began oozing oil more than a week later, spilling more than 1,000 tonnes into the ocean.
The ship was making its way from Singapore to Brazil. Officials are yet to reveal why the ship had come so close to the island. The oil spill spread over a vast area of endangered corals, fish and other marine life in what some scientists have called the country’s worst ecological disaster.
“We arrested the captain and his second-in command today. They were taken to court on a provisionary charge. The investigation continues from tomorrow with the interrogation of other crew members,” said inspector Shiva Coothen.
The captain, an Indian citizen, and his deputy, who is Sri Lankan, were charged under the Piracy and Maritime Violence Act and will reappear in court on August 25.
Emergency crews managed to pump some 3,000 tonnes of fuel off the bulk carrier before it split in two on Sunday, preventing a much larger catastrophe.
The decision to sink the boat was taken on Monday in consultation with French experts who have been sent to assist Mauritius.
“Since oil has been largely removed and the amount of the remaining oil is small, the impact of the operation on the environment is expected to be limited,” said an official from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, part of a team that is also helping Mauritius in the wake of the disaster.
Japan announced
Monday it was sending a second team of seven experts to help clean up the
spill, after sending a first team of six people.
Scientists say the full impact of the spill is still unfolding, but the damage could affect Mauritius and its economy for decades.
