Two people were killed and two are missing after the collision of a tug and a barge cleaning up the oil spill that ravaged the south-eastern coast of Mauritius in early August, the Prime Minister announced on Tuesday September 1st. Mauritian Pravind Jugnauth.
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The accident took place Monday evening on the northeast coast of the island, as the tug was bringing the barge back to the capital Port-Louis.
Help was on site Tuesday morning to find the two missing crew members.
The barge had been used in cleaning operations for the oil spill caused by the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio, which ran aground on July 25 on a reef at Pointe d'Esny (south-east), spilling at least 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil. in the sea before breaking in two, three weeks later.
Popular pressure
“
It's sad that we lost two of the tugboat crew while two others are still missing,
” said Pravind Jugnauth after going to the hospital where four other surviving sailors were being treated.
"
We are doing everything possible to locate
" (the missing), he added, presenting his "
sympathies
" to the families.
There was a little oil on board the tug "
but there is no risk of leakage
", assured the Prime Minister, adding that an investigation has been opened.
This new incident comes as Pravind Jugnauth is under strong popular pressure over his handling of the ecological disaster caused by MV Wakashio.
The fuel oil that escaped polluted the coast, which has protected areas home to mangrove forests and endangered species, as well as crystal clear waters popular with tourists.
Many Mauritians believe that the government has been slow to take the measure of the risk and organize the pumping of fuel oil.