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East Cowes Firm Plays Crucial Role In Mauritius Oil Spill Clean Up

Volunteers cleaning oil spillage

An East Cowes company is involved in international efforts to clean up a devastating oil spillage in Mauritius.

Vikoma, based in East Cowes, supplies responders all around the world with its equipment to clean up oil spills and is currently providing and liaising with organisations involved in the operation in Mauritius.

It is not the first time the firm's kit has been used - it has previously come to the aid of an oil spillage in Greece.

A Japenese ship ran aground on 25 July after hitting a coral reef, causing at least 3,000 tonnes of oil to leak into pristine waters.

Pointe d'Esny is a sanctuary for world-renowned rare wildlife.

Earlier this month (August) Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a state of emergency and appealed for international help.

Meanwhile, the captain of the ship, Sunil Kumar Nandeshwar, has been charged with endangering safe navigation.

Karen Lucas, Managing Director of Vikoma told Isle of Wight Radio:

"Initially, the aim is to stop the oil getting to the shore so oil containment booms will go around the vessel (in this case) to stop the oil reaching the shore, then the oil will reach the shores and then there's a longer operation to clear the oil from the beaches"

"Our equipment is really good equipment and it does a really effective clean-up operation"

The factory in East Cowes - which employs around 62 Islanders also liaises with organisations about the availability of appliances needed.

It is not known how long the operation will take.

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