Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Saturday Tokyo planned to send a team of environment ministry officials and specialists to Mauritius soon to respond to the oil spill.
A Japanese bulk carrier struck a coral reef off Mauritius on July 25, spilling about 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil and triggering a state of "environmental emergency" in what some scientists call the country's worst ecological disaster. The ship, MV Wakashio, is owned by Japan's Nagashiki Shipping and chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines.

At least eight die, 18 missing after ferry capsizes off North Cyprus
Rescuers battle floods and debris as Himalayan disaster death toll nears 800
Manhunt underway after woman killed, several injured at Swiss shooting
Israeli strike kills two Palestinians, Gaza medics say
