(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I would like to speak about the fire on the Minesweeper Coastal JS “Ukushima.” The day before yesterday, on November 10, a fire broke out on the Minesweeper Coastal JS “Ukushima” of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) when it was navigating the seas north of Oshima, Munakata City, Fukuoka, for training. Despite intense firefighting efforts, the minesweeper unfortunately sank yesterday. This has caused great concern among the local residents and the public, and I take this incident very seriously as the Minister of Defense. One crew member of the minesweeper is currently still missing, and we are now cooperating with the Japan Coast Guard and making every effort to search for the crew member. We remain fully prepared for the search operations, and have decided to cancel the FY2024 mine warfare exercise and the joint special mine warfare exercise between Japan and the U.S. in the Hyuga-nada Sea, which had been scheduled for November 16 to 26. With regard to the recent fire, it is presumed to have started in the machine room of the Minesweeper Coastal JS “Ukushima,” where the diesel engine was installed. However, an accident investigation committee established under the Maritime Staff Office will investigate the cause of the accident. We will continue to make every effort to search for the missing person, as well as to determine the cause and prevent a recurrence.