On the morning of the 18th, the patrol boat "Echigo" belonging to the Niigata Coast Guard ran aground off the coast of Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture.
The ship cannot navigate on its own, and the 9th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters will conduct a survey by a private salvage company on the 19th, and will consider specific measures for moving the ship.
According to the 9th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, around 6:30 am on the 18th, the patrol boat "Echigo" ran aground off the coast of Kashiwazaki City and was unable to navigate on its own.
None of her 33 crew members were injured, but the area was flooded with oil.
The scene was in shallow water about 1.1 kilometers northwest of the Shiiyabana lighthouse, and the patrol boat Echigo ran aground when the lighthouse was out at the time and approached to check.
In response to the accident, a helicopter belonging to the 9th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters headed to the site, and four mobile rescuers examined the damage to the hull, but due to poor visibility under the sea, they could not fully grasp the damage. After conducting a survey by the contractor, we will consider specific measures for moving the ship.
According to the Niigata Coast Guard Office, there was no report that there was equipment trouble just before the ship ran aground, so it is highly likely that it was due to human error.
According to the Japan Coast Guard, according to the crew's previous interviews, it seems that the lookout was inadequate when they reported the situation of the lighthouse, and it was swept away by the wind. I am planning to proceed with the investigation.
Niigata Coast Guard Department "high possibility of human error"
Yusuke Ono, head of the Niigata Coast Guard Department, held a press conference shortly after noon on the 18th, saying, "It is truly regrettable that the patrol boat Echigo, which calls for the prevention of marine accidents, caused an accident. I deeply apologize for causing you trouble."
At the time, a strong wind was blowing, and the ship ran aground when it approached shallow waters that required careful navigation. indicated that it was highly probable.
The stranded patrol boat is in a stable condition and there is no risk of sinking, but it is said that it will take a certain amount of time to move it from the site, as it is necessary to examine the situation in detail and consider specific measures. That's it.
The patrol boat is fully loaded with water and food, so a total of 33 crew members will wait on board.
On the other hand, regarding the impact of the stranded patrol boat, which is responsible for dealing with foreign fishing vessels that are illegally fishing, in the sea area called "Yamatotai" off the coast of Noto Peninsula, which is in Japan's exclusive economic zone, Director Ono said, "If necessary, We will respond while seeking cooperation from the 9 Regional Coast Guard Headquarters and the Japan Coast Guard."
Japan Coast Guard Commissioner ``We accept it as an extremely serious accident''
Regarding this accident, Japan Coast Guard Commissioner Ishii said at a regular press conference, "It is truly regrettable that a patrol vessel of the Japan Coast Guard, which should protect the safety of the sea, caused such an accident, and we take it seriously as an extremely serious accident. We sincerely apologize for causing concern to the people of Japan and the local community."
Regarding the accident that occurred following the Maritime Self-Defense Force's escort ship, he said, ``I will make sure that the staff thoroughly implements safety measures again and will work to prevent a recurrence so that this will not happen again.''
Regarding the stranded patrol boat, it was announced that a plan to lift the stranded patrol boat would be considered based on future investigations, and that an accident countermeasures committee had been set up to investigate the cause, and an investigator had been dispatched to the site. .
In addition, in order not to hinder the security system within the jurisdiction, such as the sea area called "Yamatotai" off the coast of Noto Peninsula, the operation of other patrol boats will be coordinated, and if necessary, patrol boats will be dispatched from neighboring districts. It means taking measures for
According to the crew's interviews so far, it seems that the lookout was inadequate when they reported the situation of the lighthouse, and it was swept away by the wind. I'm here.