**Japanese Minesweeper Sinks After Fire, One Missing**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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Japanese Minesweeper Sinks After Fire, One Missing

A Japanese minesweeper, JS "Uraga", sank in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a fire broke out onboard. The incident occurred in the Sea of Japan, approximately 100 kilometers west of the Noto Peninsula, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.

One Sailor Remains Missing, 47 Rescued

While 47 crew members were successfully rescued by a nearby patrol vessel, one sailor remains unaccounted for as of Wednesday afternoon. The Japanese Coast Guard has confirmed that the missing sailor was last seen in the engine room during the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but the extent of the damage is significant, leading to the ship's sinking. The vessel, commissioned in 1999, was designed for mine countermeasures and was equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Search and Rescue Efforts Continue

The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with the Japanese Coast Guard deploying several vessels and aircraft to locate the missing sailor. The operation faces challenges due to rough sea conditions and the vast search area.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by maritime crews, even in modern and well-maintained vessels. This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough safety protocols and vigilant maintenance.

Stay tuned for further updates on the search and rescue operation and the investigation into the cause of the fire.