On October 6, 2023, at approximately 2:10 AM, the fishing vessel "Dai 8 Ohama Maru" capsized approximately 30 kilometers east of Kashima Port, Ibaraki Prefecture, during a fishing operation. The vessel, which belonged to the Otsu Fishing Cooperative, had 20 crew members on board, including 15 Japanese nationals and 5 Indonesian nationals.
The incident was reported by nearby vessels shortly after it occurred. According to the Kashima Coast Guard, 17 crew members were successfully rescued. Tragically, two Japanese men, aged 50 and 60, were pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. Meanwhile, there are still three crew members missing, believed to be Japanese men aged between 40 and 70.
Witness accounts from the rescued sailors indicated the ship became increasingly unstable due to excess fish caught during their trawling operations. "The ship listed gradually as it caught many fish, causing it to overturn," reported one of the survivors to NHK. With calm weather conditions prevailing at the time—described as sunny with no significant waves—it remains uncertain why the vessel capsized.
At the time of the accident, three fishing boats, including the Dai 8 Ohama Maru, were engaged in pursuing sardines. The Yasuda Patrol Boat and helicopters from the Japan Coast Guard have been deployed to help with the search and rescue efforts for the missing crew members. Despite these efforts, searchers have struggled to locate the three men, prompting deep concern from both families and local fishing associations.
"There were no windy or choppy conditions at the time; it was calm," stated another crew member from a nearby vessel, raising questions about how such a tragedy unfolded under seemingly safe conditions.
The Dai 8 Ohama Maru left port on the morning of October 5, 2023, and began fishing shortly thereafter. Understandably shaken by the incident, the local fishing community expressed its worries and frustration over the series of events leading to the capsizing, particularly focusing on the safety protocols followed aboard the vessels involved.
The Otsu Fishing Cooperative, which operates the Dai 8 Ohama Maru, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and missing individuals. "We are currently evaluating the situation and are committed to increasing safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again," the cooperative's leader remarked during the press briefing.
The search and rescue operations continue with optimism, as the Japan Coast Guard intensifies its efforts, utilizing additional vessels and helicopters. Friends, families, and colleagues eagerly await news of the missing crew members, hoping for their safe return.
This tragic incident not only highlights the dangers faced by fishermen during their daily work but also raises broader questions about maritime safety regulations and practices. Continued investigations are likely to shed light on the exact circumstances of the capsizing and whether any safety violations occurred.
The fishing community and the affected families await updates as search operations persist. They cling to hope, as the bonds of camaraderie and collective consciousness become stronger amid the sorrow.