19 August 2020
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Image copyrightMAXAR TECHNOLOGIES VIA REUTERS
Image captionThe ship's bow is being towed away from the reef
Satellite images have captured tug boats trying to remove the wreckage of a Japanese-owned ship that ran aground off the coast of Mauritius, spilling tonnes of oil into pristine waters.
The MV Wakashio hit a coral reef, Pointe d'Esny, on 25 July while carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil.
It is now being towed away from the reef, a sanctuary for rare wildlife.
Meanwhile, a team of experts from Japan is travelling to Mauritius to help with the clean-up.
Image copyrightMAXAR TECHNOLOGIES VIA REUTERS
Image captionThe rear of the ship is still stuck
Most of the oil on board was pumped out before the ship broke apart at the weekend but nearly 1,000 tonnes leaked into the sea causing damage to the rich marine ecosystem.
An environment ministry official in Tokyo said the Japanese team would assess the impact on coral reefs. They will also take with them special materials designed to absorb oil.
Image copyrightEPA/MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES
Image captionThe ship has leaked nearly 1,000 tonnes of oil into an area known for its pristine waters and rich biodiversity
"The oil leak from the stranded ship has caused severe damage to the people of Mauritius, the economy of which largely relies on tourism and the beautiful ocean," said Noriaki Sakaguchi, from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
"I am terribly distressed. I would like to assess the situation and provide professional advice so that our contribution as an expert team will meet the demands of local people and the government."