Rescue Operation Saves 24 on Sinking Ship in Japan, One Fatality Confirmed – Sky Bulletin
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During an intense rescue mission amid turbulent seas off the southwest coast of Tokyo, a Japanese coast guard helicopter successfully retrieved 24 fishermen from a perilous situation where they were holding onto a nearly capsized ship. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning near an island chain, unfortunately also involved a fatality when one crew member was recovered deceased after being cast into the sea.
The vessel, identified as Fukuei Maru No. 8, experienced engine trouble on Sunday evening in the Pacific Ocean while on route from Yaizu Port in central Japan to South America for a tuna-fishing expedition. About five hours after departure, the ship began to drift due to the stormy conditions, prompting the captain to send out a distress call reporting that the ship had struck rocks, as stated by the coast guard.
The coast guard dispatched rescuers to the scene quickly, and within two hours of their arrival, it was reported that one individual was missing from the crew.
To assist the grounded 56-meter (183-foot), 379-ton vessel just off Kozushima Island, part of the Izu Islands and roughly 170 kilometers (105 miles) from Tokyo, the coast guard allocated three patrol vessels and three helicopters equipped with specialized rescue teams.
A video shared by public broadcaster NHK showed the dramatic moments as the ship’s crew, positioned on the tilting deck, waited to be airlifted to safety while high waves crashed against the vessel. The rescue operation was carefully executed as the crew, which included 20 Indonesians and 5 Japanese nationals, were rescued one at a time by the hovering helicopters.
Regrettably, the first engineer of the boat, a 67-year-old Japanese man, who was thrown overboard during the ordeal, was later found on the shore and subsequently declared dead at a nearby clinic. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the ship’s engine failure and subsequent loss of control.
FAQ Section
- Where did the ship incident take place?
- The ship incident took place in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Kozushima Island in the Izu Islands, southwest of Tokyo, Japan.
- What was the cause of the incident?
- An engine failure on the Fukuei Maru No. 8 caused the ship to drift and hit rocks, leading to the perilous situation for the crew.
- How many crew members were on board?
- There were 25 crew members aboard the Fukuei Maru No. 8, including 20 Indonesian nationals and 5 Japanese nationals.
- What was the outcome of the rescue effort?
- Twenty-four crew members were rescued by the Japanese coast guard, but sadly one crew member, the ship’s first engineer, was found dead after being thrown into the water.
Conclusion
The rescue operation off the coast of Japan serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who make their living on the seas. Despite challenging conditions, the swift action of the Japanese coast guard saved 24 fishermen from a distressing fate. As the community mourns the loss of the experienced first engineer, the focus turns to investigating the root causes of the ship’s engine failure, hoping to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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