On July 9, emergency responders in bright gear conducted a simulated oil spill exercise on Mombasa’s Nyali beach, utilizing equipment like containment booms and skimmers. This event, known as MASEPOLREX25, gathered around 200 participants from ten coastal and island nations to test both national and regional responses to marine oil pollution.
The exercise was organized by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) to enhance collaborative efforts in managing marine pollution risks, particularly in light of recent incidents like the 2020 Wakashio spill off Mauritius. The scenario involved a fictional oil tanker collision near the Kenya-Tanzania border, prompting a national response from Kenyan authorities and the anticipation of regional support due to the spill’s potential impact on local waters.
Throughout the exercise, responders utilized aerial surveillance and information-sharing platforms to track the simulated oil slick’s drift. The Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar provided critical data, while the Regional Coordination of Operations Centre in Seychelles coordinated assistance from neighboring countries, showcasing the importance of regional cooperation in maritime security.
The exercise concluded with an evaluation, highlighting the need for enhanced use of regional centers for technical support. IOC officials emphasized the necessity of collaboration among coastal and island states to effectively address significant marine pollution events, underscoring the shared vulnerabilities these nations face in their vast maritime zones.
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