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August 10, 2020

Mauritius in State of "Environmental Emergency" as Tanker Leeches Fuel into Protected Areas
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Mauritius has declared a "state of environmental emergency" after a
stricken tanker carrying 4,000 tons of fuel began leaking into the
Indian Ocean. Miles of the Mauritius coastline have been covered in
black sludge, as conservationists warn protected coral reefs and
endangered species are in serious peril. This is Reuben Pillay, who
operates a virtual tour website of Mauritius.

Reuben Pillay: "The oil trail is right next to an island called Île aux
Aigrettes, which is a natural reserve with endemic and endangered
species there. There's the pink pigeon. There's giant tortoises. There's
a tree there that's said to be 400 years old. … For the local people,
it's been terrible. These people, they are fishermen, they are boat
operators, they are divers. They live from the sea, and they eat from
the sea."



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