Massive hose found on Japan's Ishikawa coast to be removed | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

A huge hose estimated to weigh 300 tons has washed ashore on the coast of Shika Town in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan. It is a type used in dredging work to remove sediment and mud from the seabed.

Local officials say the hose drifted ashore in December last year. It is about 150 meters long, with a maximum diameter of around 2 meters.

The officials say the object bears the name of a Chinese company. They say the prefecture contacted the firm but was unable to determine the owner or the location where it had been used.

The prefecture plans to begin work to remove the hose starting Monday. It will be cut into sections and transported to a waste disposal site.

Officials say they aim to complete the removal work by around this autumn. They estimate the cost at about 50 million yen, or more than 311,000 dollars.

A man in his 50s who visited the coast said he was surprised because the hose was bigger than he had imagined.

Oka Hideo, an official with the prefecture's resource recycling division, says they hope to remove the hose as soon as possible to help ensure the safety and peace of mind of local residents.