Japan hunts for sailor after naval minesweeper sinks Tokyo, Nov 12 (AFP) Nov 12, 2024 Japan cancelled a joint naval training exercise with the United States on Tuesday as it searches for a sailor missing after a minesweeping ship caught fire and sank. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said a search was underway for a 33-year-old after the Ukushima went up in flames on Sunday in waters off southwestern Fukuoka. The ship's other crew members, around 40 people, were rescued -- including one injured person -- officials said. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force cancelled a mine warfare exercise as well as a joint minesweeping drill with the United States to focus on the search. A dozen naval ships joined coastguard vessels and dive teams to look for the missing sailor, Nakatani said. Officials believe the fire started in the ship's engine room. |
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