Fourteen dolphins were tragically discovered dead, while a number of others were severely unwell after being stranded on the shores of Mauritius due to an oil spill.
Last month, a Japanese vessel lost a substantial amount of oil, as reported by Daily Mail.
Investigations are presently underway to ascertain the cause of death among the dolphins. Reports indicate that the surviving dolphins are in critical condition.
“It was a tragic sight. We observed these dolphins arriving at the shore in distress only to perish,” shared activist Sunil Dowarkasing.
“Never before have we witnessed the demise of these incredibly intelligent marine creatures. Never!”
Allegedly, the Japanese ship leaked numerous tons of fuel when it veered off course and passed near the coral coast in eastern Mauritius last July.
The vessel’s hull ruptured last month, leading to an oil spill into the Mahebourg lagoon.
It is feared that there may be additional dolphin casualties at sea. Tests will be conducted to determine the cause of death for the dolphins washed ashore, as stated by Sunil.
“There are two possible scenarios: they either succumbed to the oil spill at sea or were exposed to toxic substances in the hull of a sunken ship nearby,” he explained.
The ship’s captain and first officer face charges of “unsafe navigation,” as disclosed by Daily Mail.
Greenpeace has formally requested an investigation into the spill’s cause. The oil spill is reported to be affecting whales, turtles, seabirds, and various other marine creatures in the region.
This tragedy should have been preventable. Let’s hope accountability is upheld. Another devastating blow to our precious wildlife and environment.
Please help raise awareness if you value nature.
