A diver from Taiwan died of cardiac arrest while conducting excavations of remains at the Jōsei Undersea Coal Mine, where many Korean workers perished during Japanese occupation.
On July 7, a tragic incident occurred at the Jōsei Undersea Coal Mine in Japan, where a Taiwanese diver died while carrying out recovery work for the remains of Korean laborers who lost their lives during the colonial period. The diver experienced convulsions during an underwater search and suffered cardiac arrest before emergency services arrived. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly after noon, raising concerns about safety in such recovery operations.
The Jōsei Coal Mine disaster happened on February 3, 1942, when seawater flooded the mine, leading to the deaths of 136 Korean laborers and 47 Japanese workers. For decades, groups have campaigned to recover the remains of those who died in this horrific incident. Just two years prior, a citizens' group successfully identified the mine's entrance and began excavations, which resulted in the discovery of several skulls believed to belong to the victims. Recently, systematic underwater searches have intensified to find additional remains, indicating a commitment to honor the victims and their families.
While efforts were ongoing, a memorial ceremony was taking place that day, attended by bereaved families, South Korean officials, and citizens from both Korea and Japan. The project leaders expressed their condolences following the diver's death and announced the suspension of further excavation activities. This highlights the importance of historical remembrance and the challenges faced in recovering and honoring the remains of those lost in Japan's wartime atrocities.
