Cargo vessel – Fishing boat сollision off Japan: two fishermen killed
A fatal collision between the cargo vessel Shinsei Maru and the fishing boat Kosei Maru has left two fishermen dead off the coast of Toba City, according to The Maritime Telegraph. The incident adds to growing safety concerns in Japan’s congested coastal shipping lanes.
The Japan Coast Guard reported that the accident occurred at about 12:55 p.m. local time on February 20. The impact split the fishing vessel in two and caused it to capsize, throwing all 13 people on board, including the captain, into the sea. All were wearing life jackets.
The cargo vessel had earlier offloaded cargo at Kinuura Port and was sailing to Kurashiki Port when the collision occurred.
Two fishermen went into cardiopulmonary arrest and were later pronounced dead in hospital. Ten others sustained injuries of varying severity. All five crewmembers aboard Shinsei Maru were reported safe.
Authorities have launched an official investigation. The vessel’s second officer, who was at the helm at the time, was arrested on suspicion of negligence.
