Msdf Submarine And Commercial Vessel Collide
A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine and a commercial vessel have collided off the coast of southwestern Japan. Three crewmembers of the submarine suffered minor injuries.
The collision between submarine Soryu and the commercial ship occurred some 40 kilometers southeast of Cape Ashizuri in Kochi Prefecture, at around 11:00 a.m. on Monday.
MSDF officials say the Soryu was engaged in a drill in the area. They say its mast is believed to have hit the ship as the submarine was ascending to the surface.
They say they believe no injuries were suffered by the crew of the commercial ship.
The MSDF is investigating the incident.
Coast Guard officials say the sub came into contact with a 50,000-ton cargo ship registered in Hong Kong, which is transporting iron ore.
According to a ship-tracking website, the bulk carrier Ocean Artemis left the Chinese city of Qingdao on Friday for Okayama Prefecture in western Japan.