Defense Minister Apologizes For Maritime Collision
Japan's Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo has apologized over a collision between a Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine and a commercial vessel off the southwestern coast of the country.
The submarine Souryu and the vessel collided off Cape Ashizuri in Kochi Prefecture on Monday. Three crew members of the submarine sustained minor injuries. The submarine was partially damaged.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kishi said he is very sorry that the accident caused anxiety among the public. He added that the Japan Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the collision, and the Defense Ministry and Japan Self-Defense Forces will fully cooperate in the investigation.
He also said an accident investigation committee will be set up within the Maritime Staff Office of the ministry to look into the accident and prevent a recurrence.
Also on Tuesday, transport minister Akaba Kazuyoshi said the commercial vessel was the Hong Kong-registered bulk carrier Ocean Artemis. He added that no one on board the vessel was injured, and that it was able to navigate without any problem.
He said the submarine is now located off Kochi Prefecture, and a coast guard patrol vessel has been dispatched there for its joint investigation with the MSDF.
Akaba said the coast guard will interview the crew of both the submarine and the vessel and be tasked with fact-finding. He said the Japan Transport Safety Board will also conduct its own investigation.