A cargo ship reportedly collided with a fishing vessel off the coast of Toba, Mie Prefecture, leading to one person in cardiac arrest and another missing.
On the afternoon of the 20th, at approximately 12:55 PM, a cargo ship and what is believed to be a fishing boat collided off the coast of Kunisaki Town, Toba City, according to a report made to emergency services by the captain of the cargo ship. Local authorities from the Toba Coast Guard stated that the fishing vessel, which was carrying 13 people including its captain at the time of the accident, suffered significant damage. As per the Toba City Fire Department, 12 passengers sustained injuries, with two individuals reported to be in a state of cardiac arrest, while the captain was unharmed. The fishing vessel, which was carrying anglers, has reportedly split into two and is adrift at sea.
Search efforts are underway for one person who is still missing in the aftermath of the accident. The cargo ship, weighing 499 tons and measuring approximately 71 meters in length, collided with the fishing vessel, which is much smaller at 16 tons and roughly 15 meters long. The Toba Coast Guard is actively involved in the search operation, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with maritime activities in the region, especially given the recreational nature of the fishing vessel which was likely carrying primarily older passengers at the time of the incident, raising concerns about safety measures for such outings.
