Fire breaks out on Japan navy ship, cause under investigation

10/11/2024 16:50

        A fire broke out on a Japanese Self-Defence Forces ship on Sunday, with national broadcaster NHK reporting that one crew member was hospitalised due to smoke inhalation.
        
        The Maritime Self-Defence Force said the minesweeper "Ukushima" was sailing off the coast of Fukuoka Prefecture when the fire occurred at around 9:40 a.m. local time, but said the location and cause was still being determined.
        
        Footage on NHK showed black smoke billowing out from the centre of the ship at around 2:30 p.m.
        
        NHK said the fire started in the engine room, where one crew member became stranded, citing the Japan Coast Guard. The Maritime Self-Defence Force spokesman was not able to confirm the information, and calls to the Coast Guard on the weekend were unanswered.