A tow operation has begun off Mauritius to move one part of the grounded bulker Wakashio to deeper water.
The government's National Crisis Committee said the bow section of the 203,000-dwt capesize (built 2007) is being taken eight miles from the outer limit of the reef it polluted, at a depth of 2km.
"This plan was validated and approved by the three experts sent by France in Mauritius," it added.
The stern section of the bulker remains aground on the reef.
The vessel grounded on 25 July and broke in two on Saturday, after spilling 1,000 tonnes of oil.
Risky to remove oil
"Due to the adverse weather conditions, the chief salvage master has indicated that it is still risky to remove the remaining small amount of residual oil in the engine room," the committee said.
Oil pumping operations should resume as soon as the weather permits, it added.
Additional near-shore booms have been deployed along the shore from Pointe d’Esny to Blue Bay Marine Park.
No volatile organic compound has been detected, the committee said.
Around 884 tonnes of oil liquid waste, 524 tonnes of solid waste sludge and contaminated debris, and 416 cbm of saturated booms had been collected as at midday on Monday.
The ship is owned by Nagashiki Shipping and chartered by Mitsui OSK Line (MOL).
