An environmental emergency has been declared in Mauritius after a tanker spilled nearly 4,000 tons of oil in the Indian Ocean.

Images that were shared on social media shows the dark oil from the tanker slipping into the waters of the Indian Ocean.

It is reported that the tanker is carrying around 4,000 tons of fuel.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said that the spillage from the tanker represents a danger to Mauratians.

They are currently asking for help from France because they do not have the skills and expertise to do such things.

Prime Minister Jugnauth said:

Our country doesn’t have the skills and expertise to re-float stranded ships, so I asked for help from France and Emmanuel Macron. Bad weather has made it impossible to act, and I worry what could happen on Sunday when the weather deteriorates.

The good thing about this is that France is willing to help.

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, tweeted about the call for help and said:

When biodiversity is in peril, it is urgent to act. France is there. Alongside the people of Mauritius. You can count on our support, dear Jugnauth.

Kavy Romano, the environment minister of Mauritius, said that the state is currently in an environmental crisis.

According to reports, the boat, which is owned by the Nagashiki Shipping, was headed from China to Brazil.

The ship was Japanese but is registered in Panama.

It was empty when it ran aground, said a report by Sky News.

Nagashiki Shipping, the firm that owns the ship that sank, released a statement about the unfortunate incident, which said:

Due to the bad weather and constant pounding over the past few days, the starboard side bunker tank of the vessel has been breached and an amount of fuel oil has escaped into the sea. Oil prevention measures are in place and an oil boom has been deployed around the vessel. It takes its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously and will take every effort with partner agencies and contractors to protect the marine environment and prevent further pollution.

The police in Mauritius have now opened an inquiry into the incident.