The Island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean has declared a state of environmental emergency after a Japanese owned ship ran aground and began spilling tons of fuel.
The MV Wakashio was carrying nearly 4000 tons of fuel and cracks have now started to appear in its hull.
Government statements said the ship ran aground on 25th July and the National Coast Guard received no distress call. The ships owner, Nagashiki Shipping Co Ltd issued a statement which said that “due to the bad weather and constant pounding over the past few days, the starboard side bunker tank of the vessel has been breached and an amount of fuel oil has escaped into the sea.
