Mystery at sea: Search intensifies as JMSDF vessel sinks
Off the southwest coast of Japan, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweeper sank after catching fire the day before. One crew member is still missing.
On Sunday, around 7:40 PM Eastern Time, the minesweeper Ukushima caught fire near Fukuoka Prefecture. The fire, which likely broke out in the engine room, was finally controlled after the ship tipped over shortly after 6 PM.
The search for the sailor continues
The coast guard launched 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 when the fire broke out, is ongoing. Another sailor from the same area was taken to the hospital. His life is not in danger.
According to information provided by Japanese broadcaster NHK, around 6:30 PM Eastern Time on Monday, the minesweeper Ukushima completely sank. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has convened 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 continue searching for the missing sailor. The JMSDF is working to determine the circumstances that led to the loss of the ship and the endangerment of the crew's lives.
