16 that its latest computer simulation indicated that the floating volcanic stones ... “We don’t know how much pumice could approach the Izu island chain.” He urged people aboard ships ...

‘I wanted to investigate whether the magic islands could actually be organics floating on the surface, like pumice that can float on water here on Earth before finally sinking,’ said Dr Yu.

An eruption of a submarine volcano called Funka Asane in the Ogasawara island chain was detected on March 27, prompting a warning for ash and rocks as well as floating pumice to be issued.