Large Bulk Carrier Runs Aground in Mauritius

The MV Wakashio aground off Point d’Ensy, Mauritius.

Update: Mauritius Environmental Minister: No Oil Spill from Grounded Wakashio

A large bulk carrier has run aground on an Indian Ocean reef off Mauritius.

The Panama-flagged MV Wakashio was underway from China to Brazil when it ran aground Saturday night off Pointe d’esny on Mauritius’ south-eastern coast during a voyage from China to Brazil.

At 203,130 deadweight tonnes, the 300-meter MV Wakashio is classified as a large capesize bulk carrier. The vessel, however, is in ballast and not carrying any cargo.

Reports say the local Coast Guard attempted to contact the ship before it ran aground.

The Wakashio Bulk Carrier vessel has hit the coral reefs at Blue Bay in Mauritius. pic.twitter.com/LF4daZtY4T

— Kwang Poon (@kwang_poon) July 26, 2020

The MV Wakashio was built in 2007 by Universal Shipbuilding in Kawasaki, Japan. It is managed by Nagashiki Shipping.

Overflight video shows the vessel firmly aground along a reef a few hundred meters from shore.

According to local reports, authorities are making plans to refloat the vessel. No major pollution has been reported thus far.

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