Fire on the High Seas: Japanese Warship in Peril

A fire erupted on the Japanese warship Ukushima, causing one crew member to be hospitalized and another to go missing. The blaze began in the engine room off the coast north of Fukuoka. Investigations are underway with efforts to extinguish the fire and locate the missing sailor continuing.

A fire erupted on a Japanese warship near the western part of the country, resulting in one crew member being hospitalized due to smoke inhalation and another missing, as reported by Japan's navy on Sunday.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) confirmed that the minesweeper Ukushima was navigating off the coast north of Fukuoka on Kyushu island when the incident occurred at approximately 9:40 a.m. local time. Admiral Akira Saito reported ongoing firefighting efforts, noting that all crew except the missing sailor were evacuated to another vessel.

The fire originated in the Ukushima's engine room, accompanied by multiple explosions, the cause of which is under investigation. The minesweeper was heading to southeastern Kyushu for upcoming mine warfare drills. Saito expressed concern that Ukushima might sink if the fire persists, emphasizing that JMSDF is committed to extinguishing the fire and locating the missing crew member.

(With inputs from agencies.)