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Ecological disaster in kite paradise

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Toby
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Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby Toby » Thu Aug 13, 2020 12:11 am

Most known for its crystal clear, reef-bound waters and barrelling powerful waves, Mauritius has suddenly been pushed into the headlines worldwide amid news of an ecological disaster of unprecedented size.

GKA Kite World Tour freestyle and wave paradise of Mauritius has suffered an ecological disaster of unprecedented size. Known for its crystal clear waters and barrelling powerful waves, the island of Mauritius has suffered a huge oil spill, which is currently underway just off the coast.

On July 25th the MV Wakashio, ran aground on a coral reef close to shore. Attempts were made to float the vessel but unfortunately failed, and may have led to the cracked hull from where the oil is now leaking. A race is now underway to pump the remaining oil from the ship, as the risk of it splitting in two is high. It really is a race against time and tides as conditions and swell have hampered operations so far.

The spill is close to two environmentally protected marine ecosystems and the Blue Bay Marine Park Reserve. Concerns are also growing for the thousands of local people whose livelihoods will be impacted by the spill. The island relies heavily on fishing and tourism, and was already affected by the coronavirus pandemic putting a halt to international travel.

GKA World Tour Head Manager Tom Hartmann lives on the island and has been working closely with the local community to find out the best way to get help to the area directly. Eco-Sud a local NGO will be collecting funds for all expenses linked to the cleaning and protection of the lagoon during this crisis. Tom is certain this is the fastest way to support the mammoth clean up effort that is currently underway, and to contribute towards further action post crisis.

You can find out more about Eco-Sud and donate directly HERE. In the meantime our support and thoughts are with everyone on the island of Mauritius.

mauritius.jpeg
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Dave_5280 (Thu Aug 13, 2020 12:36 am) • highflyLuke (Fri Aug 14, 2020 4:28 pm)
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palmbeacher
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Re: Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby palmbeacher » Thu Aug 13, 2020 10:22 am

Yet another reason to phase out fossil fuels as soon as possible.
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Toby (Thu Aug 13, 2020 10:26 am) • khaakon (Thu Aug 13, 2020 11:43 am) • Seawolf (Thu Aug 13, 2020 4:17 pm) • RidingRobi (Thu Aug 13, 2020 11:52 pm) • highflyLuke (Fri Aug 14, 2020 4:28 pm)
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Dave_5280
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Re: Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby Dave_5280 » Thu Aug 13, 2020 2:24 pm

Update, almost all of the fuel oil has been pumped off the ship but there’s still a lot more to do:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53750151
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Toby (Thu Aug 13, 2020 2:34 pm)
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Re: Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby Seawolf » Thu Aug 13, 2020 4:20 pm

All kitepros been posting this on instagram lately. While simultaneously having flown around the world ten times last year.

Dude you got oil on your hands!
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zob (Fri Aug 14, 2020 9:01 am)
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Daversj
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Re: Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby Daversj » Thu Aug 13, 2020 4:24 pm

Such shame for such a beautiful place. The only consolation is that it wasn't close to LeMourne the world heritage site. The wind will unfortunately be blowing the spill toward shore and not out to sea. What a mess. Probably a single hulled ship.

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Re: Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby Strekke » Thu Aug 13, 2020 5:18 pm

I foiled that bay 3 years ago. Clearest water I've ever seen, beautiful coral just below the surface. So sad. Can't believe they didn't empty the ship while there was still time - they had more than 10 days before it started leaking. Incompetent governments just like the rest of the world. Also, how tf do you end up there with that kind of ship? Almost seems deliberate. Someone must be held accountable, but probably won't.
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skideeppow
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Re: Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby skideeppow » Fri Aug 14, 2020 5:30 am

how far is it from One Eye?
So sad.

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Re: Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby matth » Fri Aug 14, 2020 1:35 pm

With all the technology we have for navigation in the year 2020 it is inexcusable for a ship to hit a reef...Oils not the problem...human incompetence is to blame...... :angryfire: :angryfire: :angryfire:

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Re: Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby Matteo V » Fri Aug 14, 2020 4:12 pm

palmbeacher wrote:
Thu Aug 13, 2020 10:22 am
Yet another reason to phase out fossil fuels as soon as possible.
Hopefully the island can gain its energy independence by completely surrounding itself with wind turbines. Another alternative would be to use floating solar panels directly above and anchored to The Reef. Then there would be no need for fuel oil!

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Toby
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Re: Ecological disaster in kite paradise

Postby Toby » Fri Aug 14, 2020 4:16 pm

Wind turbines 😳

Good bye kitesurfing then.

Let’s see what happens to Cumbuco, Brazil in the next years...windturbines everywhere, even offshore....
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