Attempts to tow the trawler did not cease but the poor condition of the trawler, added to the unstable weather, prevents the success of this operation. The Mauritius Ports Authority has specified, through a previous press release, that it is forbidden to dock the area of operations but Pointe aux Sables has not been declared a prohibited area.
The operations continue literally against all odds. On this Wednesday 16th March, other attempts are underway by the anti-pollution vessel, the Vasileios of Poly Green, to tug to naval waters of Taylor Smith. The Maan Yu Feng 168 is aground on its left side, i.e. on its port side. Operations require the vessel to be returned to its keel before being towed away. The trawler remains surrounded by floating barriers as an anti-pollution safety measure. However, fishermen reported that they were banned from operating in Pointes-aux-Sables and Bain des Dames and cried foul in the various presses.
Following these complaints, the MPA issued a new press release on Tuesday 15th March stating “at no time has the beach at Pointe-aux-Sables been declared a restricted area.” This release explains that only a portion of the beach is under the coordination of the police and the Police Helicopter Squad. The authorities on site have not prevented fishermen from working in these lagoons, except near the areas of the accident of the three Taiwanese fishing boats to ensure the smooth running. The MPA also stated that according to the tests conducted by the Albion Research Center (AFRC), no water pollution is to be reported.
