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Mauritius Declares Emergency as Stranded Ship Spills Fuel

Associated Press

   JOHANNESBURG - The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius declared a "state
   of environmental emergency" late Friday after a Japanese-owned ship
   that ran aground offshore days ago began spilling tons of fuel.

   Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth announced the development as satellite
   images showed a dark slick spreading in the turquoise waters near
   environmental areas that the government called "very sensitive."

   Mauritius has said the ship was carrying nearly 4,000 tons of fuel and
   cracks have appeared in its hull.

   Jugnauth earlier in the day said his government was appealing to France
   for help, saying the spill "represents a danger" for the country of 1.3
   million people that relies heavily on tourism and has been been hit
   hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

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