The 370 dwt tugboat Matsusho Maru along with the barge Matsusho ran aground off Shikoku Island, Japan. The tug and barge had been battered by a strong storm when it was blown into shallow water. Reports state the tug ran up on the rocks and partially sank. The 7 crew on board the Matsusho Maru were hoisted to safety by a Japan Coast Guard helicopter. No reports of injuries. The barge Matsusho, loaded with general cargo, was partially sunk near the tug.
The 56 meter long, 409 dwt fishing vessel Kaisei Maru No.v8 caught fire off Shikoku Island, Kochi, Japan. The Japan Coast Guard was notified that contact with the fishing vessel was lost. Aircraft were dispatched and a rescue plane spotted the burning vessel off shore. No sign of the 7 crew as the blaze had burned the vessel to the waters edge. The cause of the fire was unknown. The Kaisei Maru No. 8 was reported to be en route to Wakayama. The Coast Guard has launched further search and rescue for the missing crewmen.
