MISAWA, AOMORI — Japanese authorities confirmed that four fishermen died after a fishing vessel collided with a cargo ship off Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, in the early hours of March 17. The Japan Coast Guard led a large-scale search-and-rescue operation.
image credit: Hachinohe Coast Guard Office
The Hachinohe Coast Guard Office reported the collision occurred at approximately 1:15 a.m. local time, about 20 kilometres offshore from Misawa Port in the Pacific Ocean. The vessels involved were the Japanese-flagged cargo ship Suehiro Maru and the commercial fishing vessel Kofuku Maru No. 65.
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Vessels Involved
The Suehiro Maru is a 748-ton general cargo ship registered in Japan. At the time of the collision, it was sailing from Tomakomai, Hokkaido, to Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture. The vessel sustained visible bow damage but remained seaworthy and assisted in rescue efforts.
The Kofuku Maru No. 65 is a 140-ton commercial fishing vessel based in Aomori Prefecture. It was fishing when struck by the cargo ship, causing it to capsize and sink rapidly.
Crew Status and Rescue Efforts
Thirteen crew members were aboard the Kofuku Maru No. 65 at the time of the collision. All were thrown into the sea when the vessel overturned. The Suehiro Maru immediately reported the incident to the Coast Guard and began search-and-rescue operations, assisted by nearby fishing vessels.
Nine crew members were rescued alive shortly after the collision. Four others were initially reported missing, later found unconscious during ongoing search efforts, and pronounced dead at a local hospital several hours later.
All crew members aboard the Suehiro Maru were reported safe and uninjured.
Weather Conditions and Navigation
Authorities reported clear weather at the time, with winds around 26 km/h and waves about one meter high. Visibility was good, but the collision occurred at night in an area known for dense fishing activity and coastal traffic, which investigators are expected to examine closely.
Investigation Underway
The Japan Transport Safety Board, in coordination with the Japan Coast Guard, has dispatched maritime accident investigators to determine the cause of the collision. The investigation will focus on navigation practices, lookout procedures, radar data, and compliance with collision-prevention regulations by both vessels.
No oil spills or significant environmental pollution have been reported. The capsized fishing vessel has been marked for salvage to prevent further hazards to navigation in the busy coastal waters off northeastern Japan.
Regional Safety Concerns
The fatal collision has renewed attention on maritime safety in heavily trafficked fishing zones around northern Japan. Industry observers note that the combination of commercial shipping routes and active fishing grounds continues to pose navigational challenges, especially at night.
Authorities have stated that the names of the deceased have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
