On the early morning of January 6, the 30 meter long, 80 gt fishing vessel Ohama Maru No. 8 (IMO: 2694609) capsized 31 kilometers east of Kitaibaraki, Japan. The fishing vessel with 20 crew on board was fishing for sardines assisted by two other vessels. As the Ohama Maru No. 8 was hauling in the catch along its starboard hull, it lost stability and began to list. Even with another vessel connected a line to the port side and pulling at full speed, the the Ohama Maru No. 8 to further list. The crew attempted to cut the net to release the fish and restore stability, but it was too late and the fishing vessel capsized.
After being thrown overboard, 15 of the 20 crew were rescued from the water. Two additional crew members were later recovered, but they had perished during the incident. Three crew were reported as missing. The Japan Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation with four patrol vessels and a helicopter searching the area. The Coast Guard stated the vessel sank in over 200 meters of water and was too deep for divers to inspect the hull.
Reports state the Ohama Maru No. 8 had been able to haul in large catches in the past. One of the crew stated the catch was roughly 300 tons and the fishing vessel had brought in safely catches over 500 tons.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the police are considering charges of professional negligence resulting in death and a possibility of neglect in safety management. Reports state there is a large oil sheen visible above the wreck. No word if the vessel would be recovered or if there would be attempts to secure the fuel tanks.
