Illegally grounded Philippine ship harming ecosystem at Ren'ai Jiao: scientists

Chinese scientists have sounded the alarm on the escalating environmental problem at Ren'ai Jiao (Reef) in the South China Sea, where an illegally grounded Philippine ship is polluting the area's natural ecosystem, according to a new study released on Monday.

The new research on marine conditions near Ren'ai Jiao was published at a South China Sea Ecological Center briefing held in Beijing.

Experts have ruled out factors such as rising sea temperatures and attacks of tropical cyclones for damage to local ecosystems, saying the illegally grounded Philippine ship there is the major source of pollution that threatens the coral reef ecosystem.

Coral reefs, known for their rich biodiversity, are under threat near Ren'ai Jiao, where the delicate underwater ecosystems face destruction. A recent Chinese investigation has pinpointed the grounded ship, which the Philippines illegally beached in 1999, as the primary culprit. Years of exposure to seawater have left the vessel in a state of decay, releasing harmful substances into the surrounding waters.

"We detected a significant rise in heavy metals, mercury, oil, and dissolved organic phosphate, compared to previous levels. The increase in these chemicals will damage the growth environment of coral reefs," said Lyu Yihua, director of South China Sea Ecological Center's Early Warning Office.

The ship's grounding has caused severe damage to the coral reefs, with subsequent erosion from ocean currents exacerbating the issue.

Moreover, human activities on the ship have been identified as another significant factor contributing to coral degradation.

Xiong Xiaofei, the chief scientist of China's latest investigation at Ren'ai Jiao, expressed shock at the extent of the damage.

"We've discovered many coral reef fragments, and many dead corals. There are large abandoned fishing nets and buoys around the grounded ship," said Xiong Xiaofei, chief scientist of the center's Ren'ai Jiao Investigation Group.

Scientists recorded an 87-percent decline in the coverage area of reef-forming corals within a 400 meter-radius of the ship.

"Hermatypic corals are the most important organism that constitutes the coral reef ecosystem. If their coverage area drops drastically, it inevitably affects the survival of surrounding reef dwelling organisms," Lyu said.

Experts also noted a decrease in bottom-dwelling marine species particularly near the grounded ship. Xiong highlighted the absence of these species, which are typically indicative of a healthy coral reef ecosystem.

"Benthos, such as crustaceans, bivalves, and gastropods, are often seen in a healthy coral reef ecosystem. However, we didn't see many during our investigation at Ren'ai Jiao, especially in the vicinity of the grounded warship," said Xiong.

In similar situations elsewhere, grounded ships are promptly removed to minimize environmental harm. However, despite repeated promises, the Philippines has yet to take action. Until it does, the coral and marine life at Ren'ai Jiao will continue to endure the detrimental effects of the deteriorating ship's malign presence.

Illegally grounded Philippine ship harming ecosystem at Ren'ai Jiao: scientists

Illegally grounded Philippine ship harming ecosystem at Ren'ai Jiao: scientists

Illegally grounded Philippine ship harming ecosystem at Ren'ai Jiao: scientists

Travelers to Lebanon are seeking a quick and secure way out of the country, as Israel ramps up its attacks on Hezbollah. Governments worldwide have also facilitated evacuations, encouraging their citizens to leave before the situation worsens.

Annika finally made it to the airport in Beirut. She was supposed to leave next week, but the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants shortened her stay. Now, the only thing on her mind is getting back home.

"It's horrible. And you have drones flying over your house and things like that. I didn't feel afraid, but I also have to leave in the future for work, and I don't know, it's so insecure. Maybe I don't want to stay here for another few weeks," said Annika, a traveler leaving Lebanon.

Although everything seemed calm and far away for the first few days, the scene changed quickly in Beirut. Israeli airstrikes intensified, causing many to flee as fast as they could.

"I'm very worried because you don't know what can happen from day to day. You're living like second to second. You don't know what's going to happen. And it's very, very stressful. And this has to come to an end, you know? So, it's time. It's time to go," said Tania, another traveler leaving Lebanon.

The fighting, which has escalated over the past few weeks, has forced the evacuation of thousands of tourists and people with dual citizenship, leaving many scrambling to the airport to secure any available flight in an atmosphere of ongoing strikes. Governments have stepped in to assist with these evacuations, using various channels to reach those who need help.

"We have been using social media a lot to get the message out. [For] our foreign minister, prime minister, and the embassy here in Lebanon, we have been putting out on Twitter, on Facebook, and on Instagram the message that the crisis is here, you need to leave now as soon as possible. And still some don't get the message. But we're getting there, because we've got a good pick-up today, we're getting close to 500 people out on two assisted departures to Cyprus today. And we'll probably continue that for a few days," said Andrew Barnes, Australian ambassador to Lebanon.

The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Australia have all sent government representatives to Beirut to help people who want to leave or need support. Though the first couple of days were chaotic, as many were fleeing, the evacuation now seems to be proceeding steadily. Although Beirut and its airport are still relatively safe, governments urge their citizens to leave before things worsen.

"We've been dealing with this crisis for a while now, and our government has been urging Australians in Lebanon to return home because we were fearful that the situation could escalate. Now it has escalated badly and we are urging all Australians to come to the airport and get on a flight. There are still flights going, the airports still open. They need to leave now because we don't know how the crisis might escalate," Barnes said.

Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has intensified its airstrikes against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, causing great civilian casualties and forcing residents in many areas to leave their homes. It has also launched what it describes as a "limited" ground operation in Lebanon.

Countries facilitate citizens' evacuation from Lebanon as fighting intensifies