Japan's search intensifies after naval minesweeper tragedy
Off the southwest coast of Japan, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweeper sank after catching fire the previous day. One crew member remains missing.
On Sunday, around 12:40 AM Greenwich Time, the minesweeper Ukushima caught fire near Fukuoka Prefecture. The fire, which likely started in the engine room, was eventually controlled after the ship capsized shortly after midnight.
The search for the sailor continues
The coast guard initiated a rescue operation when it was discovered that one of the 40 crew members was missing. The search for the 33-year-old bosun, who was on duty in the engine room at the time the fire broke out, is ongoing. Another sailor from the same area was taken to hospital. His life is not in danger.
According to information provided by Japanese broadcaster NHK, around 11:30 PM Greenwich Time on Tuesday, the minesweeper Ukushima completely sank. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has established a committee to investigate the cause of the fire, and the Ministry of Transport has sent two investigators to the site.
Divers from the Japanese coast guard are continuing the search for the missing sailor. The MSDF is working to determine the circumstances that led to the loss of the ship and the endangerment of the crew's lives.
