Tanker Spills Tons of Crude Oil Into Indian Ocean

An estimated 1,300 tons of crude oil has spilled into the Indian Ocean in the last four days from a tanker that ran aground in late July, officials with the Republic of Mauritius report.

The Japanese tanker MV Wakashio, reportedly carrying 4,300 tons of crude, hit a coral reef on July 25. It was not until Friday that cracks appeared in the vessel’s hull.

MV Wakashio, a bulk carrier sailing under a Panamanian flag of convenience, ran aground off Pointe d’Esny, south of Mauritus. Officials had asked for help from other countries in pumping out the cargo before a larger scale environmental disaster could occur.

The incident occurred an internationally protected wetlands on Mauritius, a popular vacation destination.