Satellite Image Shows Mauritius Oil Spill From Space

European Space Agency (ESA) satellite captured the oil spill in the waters of Mauritius. Such satellite images are helping in the efforts to monitor the extent of the spill.

It was on July 25 when the Japanese-owned MV Wakashio ship ran aground on a coral reef off the coast of Mauritius and began leaking oil into the ocean. Since then, the cracks on the hull of the ship has reportedly grown, increasing the risk of the ship breaking in half and posing an even bigger danger for the island nation's fragile ecosystem.

On Aug. 11, the ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission captured an image of the oil spill, which can be observed as the thin black lines in the bright turquoise waters. MV Wakashio can also be seen close to Point d'Esny, which happens to be a significant wetland area.

An Aug. 6 report on the oil spill using satellite imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission notes "significant impact potentially detected" and indicates "coral reef & marine ecosystem" as the affected elements that may be at risk.

Because of the event, Mauritius has already declared a "state of environmental emergency" and, experts have warned that the oil spill could worsen further. In response, the International Charter Space and Major Disasters was activated last Aug. 8, while Japan has also announced that it will be sending a six-member team of experts, including members of the coast guard, to assist.

France has also sent aid to help with the disaster, sending technical advisers as well as over 20 tons of equipment, while an inter-agency United Nations (UN) team has also arrived in Mauritius to aid in the efforts.

Thousands of volunteers have been working to help with the efforts, many of whom have been covered in black sludge in the attempts to help control and prevent the oil from spreading further.

On Sunday, the operator of MV Wakashio, Mitsui OSK Lines apologized for what happened and promised to make "all-out efforts to resolve the case," The Guardian reported.

The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission, which is comprised of two satellites, will continue to supply the coverage needed to monitor the case.