Residents claim grounded ship spilling oil and chemicals

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Construction of Berth at the Mombasa Port. [File, Standard]

Fishermen and residents in Kikambala, Mtepeni Ward, Kilifi County, have raised alarm over alleged marine pollution caused by oil and chemical leakage from a grounded cargo vessel.

The residents, led by Kikambala Beach Management Unit (BMU) chairman Khelil Mbokali, claimed that salvage operations on the stranded vessel have resulted in oil and chemical spills that have polluted the Indian Ocean, leading to the death of marine animals and the destruction of fragile coastal ecosystems.

Addressing journalists at Kikambala Beach, Mbokali said that the vessel, which ran aground about four months ago, is being dismantled without adequate environmental safeguards, causing extensive pollution.