Mauritius,update Archives an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is reeling from an oil spill. On July 25, a Japanese ship, MV Wakashio, ran aground on a coral reef off the country's coast.
The freighter, which Mauritius says was carrying almost 4,000 tons of fuel, began breaking apart on Aug. 6, spilling about 1,000 tons of oil into the ocean, Forbes reported. According to the BBC, the incident occurred at "a known sanctuary for rare wildlife," Pointe d'Esny. Greenpeace Africa's Happy Khamule explained that "thousands" of species are "at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius' economy, food security and health," per the BBC.
Mauritius’ prime minister, Pravind Jugnauth, declared a state of emergency and asked for international help on Friday. A combination of volunteers, non-governmental organizations, and Mauritius' governmental efforts are cleaning up the spill. Japan and France have also offered to help. Winds measuring 31 mph are impeding the recovery though, the BBC reported.
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Photos of the spill show the devastation it's caused.
The island nation's economy relies on tourism and fishing, which the oil spill threatens. Credit: DAREN MAUREE / Getty Images 
An aerial view shows leaked oil from MV Wakashio on Aug. 6, 2020. Credit: AFP / Getty Images 
Though clean-up efforts are underway, Mauritius' prime minister warns MV Wakashio could break in half. Credit: JEAN AURELIO PRUDENCE / Getty IMAGES 
The freighter was carrying almost 4,000 tons of fuel. Credit: AFP / Getty Images 
Mauritius’ prime minister, Pravind Jugnauth, declared a state of emergency on Friday. Credit: DAREN MAUREE / GETTY IMAGES 
An aerial view of oil spilling into once-pristine waters. Credit: AFP / Getty Images 
An aerial view of Pointe d'Esny. Credit: AFP / Getty Images 
Bystanders stare at MV Wakashio, which ran aground on a coral reef. Credit: DEV RAMKHELAWON / GETTY IMAGES Topics Social Good
