Mermaids in Mauritius = dugongs?

In the Caledonian Mercury, 16th April 1739.

[...] We were oblig'd to bear away for the Island Mauritius, inhabited by the French, where we arrived Jun27. -- This Island is very mountainous and healthy; and affords Plenty of Provisions, especially Deer. Here are also Fish in great Abundance, the Mermaid, both male and female, are often caught here. I have seen and tasted it, and tastes not unlike Veal. The Inhabitants consider it as very fine Eating.

It is a large Fish of about 3 or 400 Weight; the Head is particularly large, and so are all the Features, which differ but little from those of a Man or Woman. The Male had a Beard 4 or 5 Inches long: The Female a short Neck, and Breasts exactly human: And when first taken, they cry, grieve, and lament with the utmost Sensibility. It is an amphibious Creature, and is often taken on the Grass.