On August 13, 2025, a cargo ship captain was arrested after his vessel collided with a yacht near Kyushu Island, Japan. The incident prompted a large-scale search and rescue operation, which ultimately concluded with the discovery of a deceased individual. The Japan Coast Guard received a distress call from the captain at 8:15 a.m., indicating the yacht had vanished from sight, raising concerns about potential casualties.
Rescue efforts involved six patrol boats and an aircraft. By 10:00 a.m., responders discovered the body of Dr. Makoto Yamamoto, a 70-year-old man who reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. Witness accounts suggest he was alone on the yacht during the event.
Visibility at the time of the collision was poor, but investigators noted that 28-year-old Captain Yuki Mochizuki failed to implement adequate safety measures for navigating these challenging conditions. The Sadamaru No. cargo ship, weighing 492 tons and measuring approximately 65 meters, has been detained for further investigation. This tragic incident underscores the critical need for maritime safety, particularly in adverse weather.