Core Points - An environmental crisis is emerging in the Federated States of Micronesia, specifically in Truk Lagoon, due to significant fuel leakage from the wreck of the Japanese ship "Rio de Janeiro Maru," which has been submerged for 80 years [1][3] - The Truk State Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that approximately 4,000 liters of fuel are leaking daily from the wreck, with the ship's metal structure severely corroded after decades of seawater exposure [3] - Local officials warn that this is just the beginning of a disaster, as there are over 60 sunken ships in the lagoon, containing an estimated 39.5 million liters of fuel and other hazardous waste [3][4] Environmental Impact - The leakage has led to a complete fishing ban in the surrounding waters, severely impacting local residents who rely on fish as their primary source of protein and income [4] - The local diving tourism industry has also been adversely affected, facing a standstill due to the pollution [4] Historical Context and Responsibility - Japan, as the original country of the sunken ships, holds historical and moral responsibility for the situation, having previously funded small-scale cleanup efforts and extracted about 21,000 liters of fuel in the past two years [4] - A joint statement was issued by Japan and the U.S. acknowledging the leakage risks and promising cooperation in remediation efforts, but actual support has been minimal since the Trump administration took office [4]
沉船残骸漏油日趋严重,日本“幽灵舰队”毒害太平洋环礁