Japan team: coral, mangroves damaged by split ship

Japan's relief team for an oil spill accident off Mauritius said on Tuesday that some coral reefs and mangroves were damd by cracked vessel and spilled oil.

"Due to oil hering, re are possibilities that mangroves will be weaken and die in future. We need to closely monitor condition," said vice relief team leer riaki Sakaguchi during an online media briefing held by Japan International Cooperation ncy.

y have t confirmed any death of coral reefs or mangroves.

Japanese ship, Wakasio, ran aground a coral reef on July 25 and after being pounded by heavy waves for several days.

vessel cracked and started leaking oil on August 6 into protected coast of Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius and broke apart.

damd ship spilled over 1,000 tons of its cargo of 4,000 tons of fuel into turquoise waters of Mahebourg Lagoon, one of island's most pristine coastal areas.

Most of remaining 3,000 tons of fuel h been pumped off ship in past week as environmental groups warned that dam to coral reefs could be irreversible.

team brought equipment such as oil sorbents that will be used locally and carry out support activities, mainly in environmental field.

first response team that consists of seven people was dispatched two weeks ago.

"Such as issuing reports, Japan team will continue playing our role to meet demands," said Reiji Tashiro, he of team.