Japan ramps up aid to Mauritius after oil spillThe Mauritian government has vowed to seek compensation from the ship's Japanese owner and insurer for "all losses and damages" related to the oil spill disasterPORT LOUIS (MAURITIUS) - Japan is sending a second team of experts to help clean up more than 1,000 tonnes of oil that leaked from a Japanese-owned bulk carrier into pristine waters off the coast of Mauritius. "The oil spill has caused serious damage over the southeast coastal environment of Mauritius and will have an inevitable impact on the country's tourism industry as well," the statement said. Japanese firm Nagashiki, the ship's owner, has pledged to "sincerely" respond to requests for compensation over damage to the marine environment. And on Monday, Sebastien Lecornu, France's minister for overseas territories, said Paris would send three experts to help Mauritius determine what to do with the wreck. France had already sent military planes, ships and equipment to help contain the oil spill, which also threatens the French island of La Reunion southwest of Mauritius.

Source: Bangkok Post August 18, 2020 01:25 UTC