Angel 1: The Panamanian bulk carrier would remain stuck off Mauritius for another month

MV Angel is one of the reefs, 2, 7 nautical miles off the coast of powder-d'Or in the next four weeks or more. This was revealed captain Lothar Friis Salvage of the Independent Consultant. He was responding to questions from reporters after the press conference Anil Bachoo, Minister of Public Infrastructure on Tuesday 23 August.

"I would not be surprised that the cargo remains in the reef for another four weeks. Yes, it can take so long. And besides, if we manage to move the bulk carrier before that time, I'd be the first to congratulate the officers, "said the captain Lothar Friis.

According to this officer, after having pumped "much of the heavy oil," it will take considerable time to evacuate the ship so as not to damage it or cause further damage to the coral reef.

As for the press conference the Minister of Public Infrastructure, it wanted to make a summary of operations since 5 August, when the ship raised anchor urgent off-Powder Golden.

"It's August 8, the officers saw that the ship could not move but the officers of the National Coast Guard were unable to approach the cargo due to bad weather. And since we can say we did everything humanly possible to prevent an oil spill,"says Anil Bachoo.

On Tuesday, August 9, a first observation was made by the Shipping Division. A consultation meeting was held the same day between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Environment, the Mauritius Port Authority and the company Taylor Smith.

Wednesday, August 10, the team concluded that the bailout would first consolidate the ship to prevent further damage. Aware of the day, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure sought help from the island of Reunion. A police helicopter, a tug and equipment used to manage an oil spill have been summoned there.

Two days later, on Friday, August 12, after the Council of Ministers, it was decided to contact a South African firm to move operations. However, it refused to become involved in salvage work but agreed to provide for a tug, if necessary.

The Embassy of France, meanwhile, sent 500 feet of equipment used to avoid the heavy oil from spreading further offshore, in the event of a possible oil spill. It's Tuesday, August 16 as the pumping of heavy oil could begin. To date, 528 m³ of fuel oil mixed with water could be pumped.

This Tuesday, August 23, a tug arrived from Sri Lanka instead. "We expect a second tug of Mozambique. It is supposed to arrive in two days, "says Anil Bachoo, adding that the pumping of fuel should be completed by this Sunday, August 28.