The grounded Japanese capesize Wakashio has broken in two off Mauritius, it was confirmed on Saturday.
Charterer Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) said owner Nagashiki Shipping had informed it that a crack in cargo hold number 8 to the stern side had "progressed", causing the vessel to split.
The Mauritius National Crisis Committee said: “At around 4.30pm, a major detachment of the vessel’s forward section was observed. On the basis of the experts’ advice, the towing plan is being implemented.”
The BBC reported about 90 tonnes of oil were left on board when the ship split.
"The vessel is being continuously assessed by a team of industry experts, including naval architects, reef experts and salvors, who are closely monitoring and assessing the vessel," MOL said on Sunday.
"The professional team of salvors will focus on the safe and environmentally sound removal of the vessel from the reef. The salvage will be carried out in compliance with regulation and in line with the local authorities’ guidance."
When the 203,000-dwt bulker (built 2007) ran aground on 25 July, it had 3,800 tonnes of VLSFO and 200 tonnes of diesel on board.
"Approximately all quantity" of bunkers were removed by 12 August, but 1,000 tonnes had leaked out previously, MOL said.
Precautions taken
The owner has reported most of the lubricant oil and residual oil onboard, about 100 tonnes, had been collected by 14 August.
"In order to prevent contained oil to reach ashore, oil fence has been installed around the ship, and the spilled oil is being collected by adsorbents," the charterer added.
"A team of specialists continue to work on recovering the remaining oil from the sea and coastal areas in order to minimise the impact to the environment. The expert team appointed by Nagashiki continue to work in close cooperation with the authorities and local volunteers," it said.
Nagashiki will interview the crew after local authorities finish their own investigation.
Representatives from MOL and Nagashiki have arrived at the site.
But due to measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 infection in the area, their activities will be limited, MOL added.
The pollution disaster may have been caused by the ship sailing too close to the coastline in search of a wi-fi connection, Japanese media have reported.
According to the unconfirmed reports, which cite local news outlet Lexpress.mu, the 20-man crew diverted the bulker to secure a connection as part of the birthday celebrations of one of the seafarers aboard.
The evidence was reportedly given during police questioning of the crew after the incident.
