On the 25th July 2020, a tanker owned by the Japanese Mitsui OSK line, ran aground at Pointe d’Esny, in the south-south east of Mauritius. The lagoon is the largest and most pristine of the island. It is also of great historical significance as this is where the Dutch established their first colony in 1639, after having discovered the island in 1598. They were followed by the French and eventually the British.
The “Wakashio” was carrying 1m gallons of highly toxic experimental fuel and unfortunately, much of it spilt over and polluted the sea and the shores, causing the closure of the lagoon to fishermen and other members of the community involved in leisure and tourist activities.
This caused great hardship to the community.
This is when SPES, an NGO, recognized by an Act of Parliament since 1967, started to build a ZERO POLLUTION boat…”Folkloric Explorer”.
A green streak in the black tide
The purpose was to provide work for locals already severely affected by the COVID situation and show to the world what can be achieved with CLEAN-GREEN renewable energy whilst promoting our national heritage by running Historical Cruises.
The 30 seater (virtually unsinkable boat) will be powered by Electric Outboard engines whose batteries are recharged by solar panels on the roof, supplemented by a vertical axis silent wind turbine. Fresh drinking water is supplied by Atmospheric Collection and the emergency toilet is compostable (nothing goes into the sea). A net will be drawn across the twin-hulled bow to collect plastic and other floating refuse….for recycling.
Here, in pictures, is the evolution of the 6 month construction.
