Anger and questions as 17 dead dolphins wash ashore in Mauritius

At least 17 dead dolphins have been found on the coast of Mauritius, prompting debates about whether a recent oil spill was to blame.

Environmental campaigners say the deaths were either caused by the oil spill from a Japanese-owned ship or by authorities sinking part of the vessel.

But the fisheries minister said "at first glance" the deaths appeared to be unconnected to the spill.

He said at least two of the dolphins had shark bites.

The carcasses are currently undergoing a post-mortem.

It is rare for so many dead dolphins to be found at the same time. Two were found in May 2019.

These are the first reported deaths of dolphins since the shipwreck. Up to now, many fish and crabs have been found dead.

The sight of the dolphins caused anger among residents.

"Waking up this morning to witness so many dead dolphins on our seashore is worse than a nightmare," resident Nitin Jeeha told the BBC.

"I have seen around eight to 10 dead dolphins. Are there more in the lagoon?"

Although many of the dolphins were found dead, some were discovered weak or dying on the shore.