Eight sailors have died after a South Korean-flagged tanker overturned off the west coast of Japan.
A cargo ship named Keoyoung Sun capsized off the coast of Yamaguchi prefecture, prompting a search and rescue operation by Japan’s coast guard.
Incident Details
The vessel capsized after the crew issued a distress call around 07:00 local time on Wednesday. The ship was reportedly anchored due to stormy weather conditions in the area.
Search and Rescue Operation
One crew member was found in a non-life-threatening condition, while two others remain missing. The coast guard continues the search for the missing sailors.
Cargo and Crew
The ship was carrying 980 tonnes of acrylic acid at the time of the incident. The crew comprises two Koreans, eight Indonesians, and one Chinese citizen.
Location and Weather Conditions
The incident occurred near the city of Shimonoseki in Japan’s south-west. Strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 54km (33 miles) per hour, were recorded in the area during the time of the incident.
Ongoing Efforts
The rescue operation continues in the area as authorities strive to locate the missing sailors and ensure the safety of all involved in the incident.