TOKYO (AFP) – Japan cancelled a joint naval training exercise with the United States (US) yesterday as it searches for a sailor missing after a minesweeping ship caught fire and sank.
Defence 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-Defence Force cancelled a mine warfare exercise as well as a joint minesweeping drill with the US to focus on the search.
A dozen naval ships joined coastguard vessels and dive teams to look for the missing sailor, Nakatani said.
