Three individuals have been formally indicted following a ship collision off the coast of Okinawa last November, involving a Japan Coast Guard patrol vessel and a fishing boat.
On March 17, the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Naha announced that it had referred Naha Coast Guard officers—31-year-old Chief Navigator Motoki Oshiro and 59-year-old Chief Navigator Fumiya Obara—along with 74-year-old fishing boat captain Kōei Yonamine to prosecutors on suspicion of professional negligence endangering maritime traffic.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Under Japan’s Maritime Collision Prevention Act, when two vessels cross paths, the vessel with the other ship on its right has the duty to yield.
According to the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, the patrol vessel was obligated to take evasive action but failed to do so.
The case now awaits further legal review, and potential charges could be brought against those found responsible.
This incident raises concerns over maritime safety protocols and the Coast Guard’s responsibility in preventing such accidents.