Wakashio

With 4.5 metre waves forecast in coming days, authorities are racing to protect ecologically sensitive sites from about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil spilled by the MV Wakashio.

But environmentalists seek explanation for the deaths of 27 dolphins following an oil spill from a Japanese ship.

It's being swept up off salon floors around Sydney, but instead of the bin, these human hair offcuts are being stuffed into stocking sausages and sent to clean up a massive oil spill off east Africa.

An oil carrier that ran aground off Mauritius has split in two, leaking even more oil into the ocean. The front of the ship will be pulled out to sea where it will be left to sink.

The Japanese ship, MV Wakashio, ran aground on a coral reef on July 25

The operator of a Japanese bulk carrier which is leaking oil onto the waters surrounding Mauritius apologises "profusely and deeply" for causing what environmentalists fear is the worst ecological disaster the island has ever seen.

Volunteers in Mauritius are dealing with toxic fumes which are making them sick as they try to remove tonnes of crude oil from the island's formerly crystal-clear waters.

Relive the biggest moments of 2020 as seen by Maxar Technology's high-resolution satellites.

MV Wakashio breaking up after running aground at Pointe d'Esny near marine park