Thousands Of People In Mauritius Demonstrate The Mysterious Death Of 40 Dolphins In Their Sea

Demonstration demanding investigation of dolphin deaths in Mauritius (Twitter / @ shakeel_IE)

JAKARTA - Thousands of people joined in a massive demonstration in the capital city of Mauritius, Port Louis. The demonstration was triggered by the mysterious deaths of 40 dolphins. Protesters suspect a Japanese ship's oil spill is the cause of the disaster.

During a demonstration that was held last Saturday, August 29, demonstrators demanded that the government immediately conduct an investigation into the oil spill. They carried banners with pictures of dolphins covered in oil, reading "Our lives are important."

This urge is serious. The demonstrators even demanded that the government resign if it could not handle the problem of the MV Wakashio oil spill, which was said to have occurred because the ship hit a coral reef.

Just in from #Mauritius. Massive and peaceful anti-government #protest over their handling of the #Wakashio #OILSpill and resultant death of over 40 #dolphins and numerous marine animals. The people are requesting the incompetent government to step down. pic.twitter.com/4oAaqWVRvN

- Shakeel J.Burkan (@shakeel_IE) August 29, 2020

"We don't trust the government and the information they give us regarding the management and response to the oil spill," said Fabiola Monty, a protester and environmental scientist.

The policy owner responded immediately to the demonstration. The government is said to be carrying out an autopsy on all the dead dolphins. Not only that. They will also form a commission to investigate the oil spill.

The government also added that now two investigations are being carried out. One investigation is fronted by the police who will hold the crew accountable. The remainder, investigations will be carried out by senior officials from the Ministry of Shipping of Mauritius regarding the oil spill incident.

Dead dolphins on the coast of Mauritius Saddest thing ever .... pic.twitter.com/L45MpTyC27

- Mauritius Island (@MauritiusGuide) August 28, 2020

So far, the vet who has autopsied the two dead dolphins said there was no trace of oil on the dolphin's body. Instead, the vet said the dolphins were showing signs of injury that did not come from the oil spill.

Even so, in the next few days the autopsy of death will be announced directly by the Ministry of Fisheries. This was done as a form of transparency to the people of Mauritius.

However, Mauritians expect a civilian presence during the autopsy and ask the government to involve independent specialists to uncover cases of the dolphin's mysterious death.