Dismantling begins on stern of wrecked bulker Wakashio

Chinese salvage company Lianyungang Dali Underwater Engineering has begun work to dismantle the stern of the Japanese-owned bulk carrier Wakashio, which ran aground in Mauritius in late July 2020 and subsequently broke apart less than three weeks later due to hull damage.

The dismantling and the removal of the wreck are expected to last one month but will still depend on weather conditions in the area.

Anti-pollution booms have also been laid out as a precaution against possible oil spills. The grounding itself had caused an earlier spill, resulting in over 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil into waters close to a marine protected area.

The stern is the only portion of the ill-fated vessel that remains after its bow was deliberately scuttled in Mauritius in late August.