The MV Wakashio is split into two parts near Mauritius' Blue Bay Marine Park on Sunday, August 16.
In pictures: Mauritius oil spill in the Indian Ocean
The MV Wakashio is split into two parts near Mauritius' Blue Bay Marine Park on Sunday, August 16.
AFP via Getty Images

Updated 5:03 PM EDT, Mon August 17, 2020

The island of Mauritius is facing an environmental emergency as a wrecked ship is leaking tons of diesel and oil into the Indian Ocean.

The vessel ran aground in late July at Pointe d'Esny, on the eastern shores of the island nation, according to local media reports and environmental campaigners. The location is close to the Blue Bay Marine Park reserve and several tourist beaches.

"Thousands of species around the pristine lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d'Esny and Mahebourg are at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius' economy, food security and health," said Happy Khambule, a senior campaign manager at Greenpeace Africa.

The MV Wakashio ran aground at Pointe d'Esny, east of the island nation of Mauritius.
The MV Wakashio ran aground at Pointe d'Esny, east of the island nation of Mauritius.
Sumeet Mudhoo/L'Express Maurice/Getty Images
Volunteers attempt to surround the oil spill on Wednesday, August 12. Local residents are stuffing fabric sacks with sugar cane leaves to try to stop the oil spill from reaching their shores.
Volunteers attempt to surround the oil spill on Wednesday, August 12. Local residents are stuffing fabric sacks with sugar cane leaves to try to stop the oil spill from reaching their shores.
Beekash Roopun/L'express Maurice/AP
Volunteers make handmade oil barriers at the Mahébourg waterfront on August 12.
Volunteers make handmade oil barriers at the Mahébourg waterfront on August 12.
L'Express Maurice/AFP/Getty
Oil is seen leaking from the MV Wakashio on Tuesday, August 11.
Oil is seen leaking from the MV Wakashio on Tuesday, August 11.
Gwendoline Defente/EMAE/AP
A fisherman places handmade oil barriers into the sea on August 11.
A fisherman places handmade oil barriers into the sea on August 11.
Laura Morosoli/AFPGetty Images
Volunteers carry a handmade oil barrier on August 10.
Volunteers carry a handmade oil barrier on August 10.
L'Express Maurice/AFP/Getty
People scoop oil near Blue Bay Marine Park on August 9.
People scoop oil near Blue Bay Marine Park on August 9.
Daren Mauree//L'Express Maurice/AFP/Getty
Volunteers clean up oil on August 9.
Volunteers clean up oil on August 9.
Laura Morosoli/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Washed-up oil is seen on a beach on August 9.
Washed-up oil is seen on a beach on August 9.
Laura Morosoli/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
This aerial photo shows a large patch of leaked oil on August 8.
This aerial photo shows a large patch of leaked oil on August 8.
AFP via Getty Images
Bystanders look at the MV Wakashio from the shore.
Bystanders look at the MV Wakashio from the shore.
Dev Ramkhelawon/L'Express Maurice/AFP via Getty Images
Leaked oil is pushed by currents in the bay of Grand Port.
Leaked oil is pushed by currents in the bay of Grand Port.
AFP via Getty Images
The wrecked ship and its leaking oil are seen from the air on August 7.
The wrecked ship and its leaking oil are seen from the air on August 7.
Eric Villars via AP
Workers are seen on the ship on August 7.
Workers are seen on the ship on August 7.
Daren Mauree/L'Express Maurice/AFP via Getty Images
A man scoops leaked oil from the water.
A man scoops leaked oil from the water.
Jean Aurelio Prudence/L'Express Maurice/AFP/Getty Images
This satellite image shows the leak and ship on August 7.
This satellite image shows the leak and ship on August 7.
Maxar Technologies via AP
The MV Wakashio sits in the water on August 7.
The MV Wakashio sits in the water on August 7.
Daren Mauree/L'Express Maurice/AFP via Getty Images