In an accident where a tour boat was distressed off the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, the president of a company that operates the same small tour boat in Shiretoko responded to NHK's interview so that the operating company that caused the accident would normally stop dangerous operations. He questioned the safety management of the flight, saying that he sometimes did not ask even if he advised him.
The interviewee was President Hiroya Sugawara, a company that has been operating the same small sightseeing boat as the distressed "KAZU 1" (19 tons) in Shiretoko since 2003.
Mr. Sugawara, who has been operating in the sea of Shiretoko for about 5 or 6 years, has been popular for small sightseeing boats that can observe brown bears closer to him since before and after Shiretoko was registered as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2005. It is said that it has risen.
As for small vessels, four companies operate on the same route and fare on the Shari-cho side of Shiretoko, including the "Shiretoko Tour Boat" that operates the distressed "KAZU 1".
Regarding the route of a small sightseeing boat in Shiretoko, "Since it is very difficult to maneuver because it operates close to the land while avoiding the fixed nets of salmon and trout and rocky areas, experience is important, and at my company, the captain has been an apprentice for about 4 years. He pointed out that the captain is required to have a high level of skill. "
On the other hand, regarding the operation system of the "Shiretoko Tour Boat", "There are no veteran sailors, and there are almost no amateur groups who know the sea of Shiretoko. Also, when most of the employees quit," I can take over properly. It wasn't, "said the former captain."
In addition, regarding the operation decision of the usual "Shiretoko Tour Boat", "In one season, it is possible to operate while the other three companies are not leaving the port based on the weather, or even if they request to return on the way, they will head to Cape Shiretoko. There were five or six times. "
Regarding the operation around Cape Shiretoko, each company adjusted the departure time to catch up offshore so that they could help each other in case of trouble, and said, "It is desirable to go alone even if the weather is good. No. "
After that, he questioned the safety management of the flight, saying, "There were times when I advised to stop the dangerous flight, but I didn't ask. I was wondering if it would be okay to continue doing business."
Regarding this distress accident, "I feel angry at the" Shiretoko Tour Boat "because it trembles so sadly. The management of each company has become strict due to the corona disaster, but safety is the most important thing, after something happened. Then it's late. The operating company that keeps the lives of the customers should not make a profit. "