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Tag: Japan

Shoei Maru

Shoei Maru

Yiannis N. G.

On the evening of November 23, the 14 meter long, 19 gt towboat Shoei Maru collided with the 230 meter long, 81,043 dwt bulk carrier Yiannis N. G. (IMO: 9701308) in Osaka Bay near Kobe, Japan. Reports state the Yiannis N. G. had struck the Shoei Maru causing the towboat to capsize.  The Japan Coast Guard and the local fire department launched a search and rescue operation looking for the three crew of the Shoei Maru. One of the crew was found conscious in the water. He would be rescued and later taken to hospital.  Reports state another of the crew was found trapped in the overturned vessel. A search for the missing crew person is still ongoing.

Reports state there was no report of injuries to the 21 crew of the Yiannis N. G. and there was no damage to the bulk carrier. Authorities state they have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Ukushima

Ukushima

Ukushima
Photo: Japan Coast Guard

On the morning of November 11,  the 54 meter long, wooden hull Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) minesweeper Ukushima (MMSI: 31999662) was lost in Sagami Bay some 2.5 kilometers off Oshima Island, Japan. While conducting a drill, a fire started in the Ukushima engine room. The initial attempt by the crew to contain the blaze failed.  As the fire began to engulf the vessel, the crew requested assistance. The Japan Coast Guard dispatch a fire fighting vessel while the MSDF redirected the minesweeper Toyoshima to the scene. After several hours of fire fighting, the fire looked as if it was contained.  However, the fire would later flare up again a short time later and spread through out the wooden hull.

Authorities determined the next action was to evacuate the Ukushima crew over to the Toyoshima.  When the evacuation was completed, a roll call found that the petty officer on duty in the engine room had been left on board the Ukushima.

Reports state the fire continued to engulf the Ukushima until the vessel capsized and sank. The Coast Guard have dispatched divers to inspect the wreck and search the vessel for the missing person.  Authorities also state one other crew person was injured from smoke inhalation. This crew person was also on duty in the engine room at the time of the incident. The MSDF has launched an investigation into the incident.

Authorities have stated only one other minesweeper has been lost to a fire since 1966.

Allision in Hachinoche

Allision in Hachinoche

Ji Zhe 7
Photo: aba-net.com

On the afternoon of October 9, the 5274 dwt cargo vessel Ji Zhe 7 (IMO: 8359134) allided with the 185 meter long, 38,477 dwt cargo vessel Mimitsu (IMO: 9527958) in the harbour at Hachinohe, Japan. The Ji Zhe 7 was departing from its berth when strong winds pushed the vessel into the berthed Mimitsu.  There were no injuries or pollution released on either vessel.  Reports did not include any details if either vessel sustained hull damage.

The Hachinohe Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. See video report on the incident.