Indian Ocean

National Nov 5, 2020

Ship owner says Mauritius oil cleanup mostly over by January

Efforts to remove oil spilled by the MV Wakashio have been hampered by difficulties in cleaning coral reefs and mangrove trees.

National Oct 23, 2020

Japan to send new team to work out long-term measures for Mauritius aid

Japan will send a new team of experts to Mauritius to work out long-term measures to help the country recover from damage to its environment and fisheries following a major oil spill caused by a Japanese freighter in July, the Foreign Ministry said Friday. The ...

National Sep 18, 2020

Japan to send investigation team to Mauritius over oil leak

The five-member team will leave Japan on Sunday to carry out a two-week investigation into the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Wakashio.

National Sep 11, 2020

Mauritius ship operator Mitsui OSK to pay ¥1 billion for recovery

"We will provide long-term contributions to the environment and the society of Mauritius," the company said in a statement.

National Sep 8, 2020

Mauritius leader thanks Japan, saying government not responsible for oil spill

Japan has sent three relief teams to the island nation to assist with the clean up and environmental protection.

National Sep 2, 2020

Mauritius asks Japan for ¥3.6 billion to help local fishers after oil leak

The island nation is requesting funds to build boats, train workers and renovate an aging fishing research center.

Business Aug 30, 2020

Thailand studies Malacca bypass to link Indian and Pacific oceans

Thailand is looking to construct a land passageway that would connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans, bypassing one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The Strait of Malacca, a narrow sea lane between Malaysia and Singapore, is currently the shortest sea route linking the Asia-Pacific ...

National Aug 30, 2020

Japan experts propose wiping down Mauritius mangroves by hand to remove oil from Wakashio spill

Japanese experts are proposing wiping down mangrove trees in Mauritius by hand to remove oil spilled by a Japanese freighter that ran aground off the tropical island, a source familiar with the matter said Saturday. The idea for cleaning the trees' roots, recently suggested by ...

National Aug 25, 2020

Japanese experts warn oil damage could kill mangroves in Mauritius

Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told a news conference Tuesday that the ministry is considering sending additional environment experts to the island nation.

World Aug 21, 2020

Mauritius oil spill: Data shows ship deviated from shipping lane

Data from a maritime analysis firm showed that the Wakashio diverted more than 100 km from a regular shipping lane before crashing into the reef.

National Aug 17, 2020

Japan to send second relief team to Mauritius in response to oil spill

The government said Monday Japan will dispatch a second disaster relief team to Mauritius this week in response to an oil leak from a Japanese freighter that ran aground off the Indian Ocean island nation last month. The seven-member team, including officials from the Environment ...