Coast Guard Investigates Damage From Collision
The Japan Coast Guard has begun checking the extent of damage to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine Souryu, following its collision with a commercial vessel.
The minor collision occurred on Monday at around 11:00 a.m., roughly 50 kilometers southeast of Cape Ashizuri in Kochi Prefecture, southwestern Japan.
No injuries have been reported among the crew of the 50,000-ton cargo ship. Three members of the submarine crew suffered minor injuries but did not require treatment in hospital.
The Souryu is now moored near a breakwater about 400 meters from the port at Kochi.
The Japan Coast Guard dispatched a patrol vessel on Tuesday morning to inspect the 2,950-ton submarine. The vessel sailed around it to check for any external damage. Coast guard officials then boarded the submarine and began their investigation.
The coast guard plans to interview the submarine crew and will also check for any damage to the commercial vessel.