Operator Confirms Stranded Vessel Split In Two
The operator of the Japanese-owned bulk carrier that ran aground off Mauritius in late July has confirmed that the vessel has split in two.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said it confirmed at 2 p.m. on Saturday, local time, that the Wakashio had broken apart.
The firm said nearly all the 3,000 tons of bunker oil remaining onboard had already been recovered. It also said most of the estimated 100 tons of lubricant oil and residual oil onboard had been collected by Friday, but some oil is believed to have leaked out as the vessel split.
It explained that an oil fence has been installed around the ship to prevent the oil from reaching the shore, and the spilled oil is being collected.
The firm also said it believes about 1,000 tons of oil leaked into the sea, and only around half of it has been recovered so far.
The operator said it will continue to work with the authorities of Mauritius and Japan to resolve the situation together with the owner of the ship.
The owner, Nagashiki Shipping, said it will interview the crew after the authorities question them, to help determine the cause of the incident.
