The 50 meter long, 432 dwt tanker Yowa Maru partially sank in the Japan Sea off Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi, Japan. The tanker was proceeding from Douala with 450 tons of caustic soda bound for Etajima.  Just after 5 minutes leaving port, it suffered water ingress along its port side hull. Unable to control the flooding, the Yowa Maru quickly developed a list to port. The vessel continued to partially sink until part of its deck awash with a 45 degree list to port.

All four crew on board were rescued. No reports of injuries and no confirmed reports of pollution released. Authorities did place booms around the tanker as a preventative measure.  The Coast Guard is monitoring the situation and will inspect the vessel to see if it possible to tow back to port.