Oil Freighter Hits Coral Reef, Leaking 1000 Tons of Oil Into Mauritius Waters While Threatening Thousands More

A Japanese freighter ran aground on Mauritius’ coral reefs, leaking 1000 tons of oil into the pristine waters of the Indian ocean.

Check out these pictures …

The ship struck the reefs on July 25 and has remained stuck close to two internationally protected UNESCO Ramsar sites for wetlands, including a small coral atoll that had been set aside from human interference for the recovery of native species of the island’s rare biodiversity.

The oil has polluted the coral reefs, white-sand beaches and beautiful lagoons that lure tourists from around the world … and because there’s an estimated 2,500 tons of oil remaining on the stricken vessel, there’s an even greater ecological and economic danger looming over the island nation. 

The vessel is continuing to break apart and experts fear a further rupture could unleash a spill that would be catastrophic for the fragile ecosystem that Mauritius relies on.

Crews have managed to stop the leak for now … but the cracks on the ship are growing and the ship may even break in half.

Mauritius has declared an unprecedented environmental emergency for the worst oil spill in its history and is appealing for international help.

In response, Japan is sending a six-member team of experts to assist … and France has dispatched military vessels and technical advisers.

The Japanese company that owns the vessel has been apologetic and has promised to make every effort possible to resolve the situation.

Because time is of the essence, a citizen-led cleanup operation has started and they are trying everything they can to stop the oil … collecting thick black sludge with their hands and buckets alone.

Take a look at these videos …

This situation is absolutely tragic and at Karmagawa and SaveTheReef, we want to make a way for our community to help.

Please think about donating at our new fundraiser so that we can help the Mauritius people get what they need in their URGENT battle against this oil spill.

They’re doing the best that they can but they don’t have the necessary equipment for a full cleanup.

Every minute counts because if the ship continues to break apart, the beautiful environment and all its animals will face much heavier destruction.

Let’s show them that we care.

No donation is too small. Remember, if we all give a little, together we can give A LOT.

Again, the donation link is here. 

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What do you think about the destruction this oil spill has caused the Mauritius nation and its people? Leave a comment below.

(Cover image: jukurae/Shutterstock)