Fire Erupts Aboard Japanese Warship: Crew Member Missing

A fire erupted on the Japanese warship Ukushima near Kyushu, causing one crew member to be hospitalized for smoke inhalation and another to go missing. The crew evacuated except for the missing member, and firefighting efforts continued into the night as the vessel remained at risk of sinking.

A fire erupted aboard a Japanese warship near Kyushu, hospitalizing one crew member due to smoke inhalation while another remains missing, according to Japan's navy.

The incident occurred on the minesweeper Ukushima at around 9:40 a.m. local time as it sailed north of Fukuoka. Firefighting efforts extended into the night, said JMSDF's Admiral Akira Saito.

The fire started in the engine room with explosive sounds heard, though the cause is under investigation. Saito emphasized the urgency of extinguishing the fire and locating the missing sailor.

(With inputs from agencies.)