Virgin Group supremo and cruiseship owner Sir Richard Branson has taken a pop at the shipping industry over the oil spill in Mauritius.
The Caribbean Island-dwelling businessman issued a statement expressing his sorrow over the environmental disaster caused by the grounding of the 203,000-dwt Wakashio (built 2007) on a reef last month.
Branson, the owner of cruiseship company Virgin Voyages, said: "Mauritius is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, pristine waters and unique biodiversity.
"It is heartbreaking to see images of the islanders trying to clean up a global shipping company’s massive oil spill happening at the heart of their largest coral lagoon."
He added: "Global shipping should step up to its responsibilities and offer support to the people of Mauritius to clean the pollution and ensure the long-term monitoring and rehabilitation of the entire site."
Environmental interests
The entrepreneur has been an advocate for decarbonisation of shipping, through his founding of pressure group Carbon War Room.
He is also a member of Ocean Elders, a group of 23 business and government leaders calling for a more sustainable ocean.
Other members include Prince Albert of Monaco, former US under secretary of state Catherine Novelli and Queen Noor of Jordan.
Greenpeace has already called for Wakashio charterer Mitsui OSK Lines to pay to clean up the disaster.
Wakashio owner Nagashiki Shipping has reportedly apologised for the incident.
Owner says sorry
"We sincerely apologise for causing a great deal of inconvenience to everyone involved, including everyone in Mauritius, due to this grounding accident and oil spill," the Japanese company said in a statement obtained by Reuters.
The 1,000-tonne leak of bunkers is considered Mauritius' worst ever environmental disaster, with the spill threatening the reef, fish and other marine life.
Reuters also reported the country plans to scuttle the ship at a later date somewhere at sea in a location that would not impact shipping lanes or pollute the Indian Ocean any further.
Mauritius has arrested the master and chief officer of the vessel.
Intercargo on Thursday called for the investigation into the grounding to be both "transparent" and "in depth".
The dry bulk industry association also urged the flag state and all involved stakeholders to "release the findings as a matter of urgency".
