Wakashio’s bow finally scuttled
Dramatic scenes of the Wakashio’s bow being sent out to its final resting place were captured on Sunday, August 24th, as the front section of the broken up Capesize bulker was sunk in a planned operation in Mauritian waters. The sinking of the stem section of the wreck was completed at around 3.30 pm on Sunday, as the bow was no longer visible on the sea surface, the National Crisis Committee said in an update.
The operation, which usually takes around 24hrs to complete, started on August 21, but was delayed by rough seas, and had to be temporarily suspended on Saturday night.
Japanese major MOL, the charterer of the Capesize bulker, owned by Nagashiki Shipping, confirmed on Tuesday the scuttling was completed.
“Owner was informed on August 24, that the forward half of the vessel has sunk within the Mauritian territorial waters after measures such as removing hydraulic oil by a team of experts in accordance with the instructions from the local authority and applicable law,”MOL said.
“Team of salvage experts appointed by Nagashiki, are in close dialogue with the local authority about the plan of safe removal plan of the stern part of the hull.”
According to the National Crisis Committee, the remaining diesel oil on the aft section of the bulker was pumped out. A considerable amount of pollutants and other floating items have been further removed and this exercise is ongoing.
Furthermore, an international Invitation To Tender (ITT) for the removal of the aft section of the casualty has already been floated by the Special Casualty Representative. Around 1,000 tonnes of oil are estimated to have leaked from the wreck, in what is considered the worst oil spill in the history of Mauritius.
