Fire on Japanese SDF Vessel Leads to Capsizing and Crew Casualties

A Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweeper, the Ukushima, experienced a fire while navigating near southwestern Japan. The incident resulted in one crew member missing and another being hospitalized for minor injuries. The fire, believed to have originated in the engine compartment, occurred off the coast of Fukuoka Prefecture. The ship eventually capsized, extinguishing the fire.

The Ukushima, designed for sea mine removal, was carrying approximately 45 SDF members at the time of the incident. The majority of the crew was safely evacuated to another vessel following the fire. These minesweepers feature wooden hulls to mitigate the risk of explosions caused by magnetic reactions with mines.

In response to the incident, the Maritime Staff Office will establish a committee to investigate the root cause of the fire on board the Ukushima. The safety and well-being of the crew members are a top priority, and measures will likely be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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