Oil Spill Puts Five-Decade Mauritian Fisher Family in a Bind

Japanese-owned vessel run aground and spilled tons of oil
Indian Ocean island nation now faces widespread pollution

The MV Wakashio bulk carrier vessel partially submerged close to Pointe d'Esny, Mauritius, on Aug. 14.Photographer: Kamlesh Bhuckory/Bloomberg

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By Kamlesh Bhuckory

August 17, 2020 at 6:22 AM UTC

Updated on

August 17, 2020 at 11:01 AM UTC

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It may take a decade to restore a delicate ecosystem in Mauritius after a bulk carrier ran aground and spilled oil into the island nation’s pristine waters. Some fishermen fear they may never get their lives back.