Following the 8th National Crisis Management Committee chaired by the Prime Minister on Monday August 17, 2020, action is being taken to tow the bow section of the casualty to eight (8) Nautical Miles from the outer limit of the reef at 2000mts depth. This plan was validated and approved by the 3 experts sent by France in Mauritius.
The stern section of the casualty is aground on the reef. Due to the adverse weather conditions, the Chief Salvage Master has indicated that, it is still risky to remove the remaining small amount of residual oil in the engine room. Oil pumping operations should resume as soon as the weather permits.
Additional near shore booms have been deployed along the shore from Pointe d’Esny to Blue Bay Marine Park. River booms have been placed at Riviere La Chaux, Riviere des Creoles and Riviere Champagne. Additional booms have been placed in the lagoon and the National Coast Guard is constantly monitoring those areas to ensure maximum protection.
The preliminary assessment for shoreline clean-up undertaken by the team of experts from International Tankers Owners Pollution Federation Ltd (ITOPF) and Le Floch Depollution along with local stakeholders has also been carried out. The framework has been approved by the National Crisis Management Committee.
The National Environment Laboratory together with the Ministry of Health and Wellness; Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping and the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, are constantly monitoring the quality of air and marine resources. No volatile organic compound has been detected. A structured monitoring will be performed soon to include the flora and fauna of the region.
Around 884 metric tons of oil liquid waste, 524 metric tons of solid waste sludge and contaminated debris, and 416 cubic meters of saturated artisanal booms have been collected as at mid-day on Monday August 17, 2020.
National Crisis Committee
Monday August 17, 2020
