TOKYO: A maritime incident unfolded off the coast of Japan on Monday, resulting in one fatality and the rescue of 24 individuals after their fishing boat encountered mechanical issues and drifted onto rocks amidst rough seas, according to the coast guard.
Television footage captured the harrowing scene as the 56-meter-long vessel, used for tuna fishing, was battered by waves while lying on its side, with the crew seeking refuge on deck while a helicopter hovered above, offering assistance.
Among the crew were five Japanese nationals and 20 individuals from Indonesia, highlighting the international nature of the fishing operation.
The ordeal began on Sunday afternoon when the vessel experienced engine trouble near the Izu archipelago, situated south of Japan’s main island of Honshu, as detailed by a coast guard spokesperson in communication with AFP.
Responding swiftly to the distress call, a coordinated rescue effort involving patrol boats and helicopters was initiated, resulting in the successful evacuation of all but one of the crew members by Monday morning.
The body of the missing Japanese crew member was subsequently discovered, underscoring the perilous nature of the maritime mishap.
