Mauritius measures reef hoping to lay claim on Chagos Islands

The purpose of the Mauritian survey is to establish whether any part of the reef remains above water, even at high tide. Photograph: John Parker/Sylvia Cordaiy Photo Library Ltd/Alamy

Under a glaring sky, Mauritian survey teams set off in two tender boats to measure Blenheim Reef.

A line of breakers marked the outer line of the atoll. An inflatable, carrying two Swedish marine experts retained by the Mauritian government, found an entrance through submerged rocks and surf into calmer water inside.