Saturday 29 August 2020

Mauritian Mayhem

 


At least 40 dolphins have died, off the coast of Mauritius. The deaths occurred near to where a Japanese bulk carrier (the Wakashio) hit a coral reef, before being scuttled, as it was said it could not be refloated (https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/heartwrenching-scenes-as-dolphin-deaths-near-mauritius-oil-spill-rise-to-40-3c09681a-56b0-4c6a-a922-53575c20221b). The carcasses of the dolphins did not appear to be obviously contaminated with oil from the ship's tanks. There have now been demonstrations in Port Louis directed against the Mauritian government, who are accused of not telling their people the full story. Officials claim, however,  that all the dead cetaceans will be autopsied. It would also be useful to have a full inventory of what the vessel was carrying. Mauritians also need to ascertain what other damage has been done to the marine environment.

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