Dutch salvage company Smit Salvage has been appointed to refloat a Japanese bulker that dramatically grounded on the holiday island of Mauritius over the weekend.

Anchor handling tugs have been dispatched by Smit from the United Arab Emirates and Singapore, and are shortly expected to reach the stricken 203,000-dwt Wakashio (built 2007), the salvor confirmed.

It is understood the owner's protection and indemnity insurer, Japan P&I Club, has signed a Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) agreement including special compensation P&I clause (Scopic) with Smit to refloat the vessel.