A fire on a Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF)

A fire on a Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) minesweeper navigating near Southwestern Japan has left one crew member missing and another injured. MSDF officials say the fire broke out on the minesweeper Ukushima about two kilometers north of Munakata City’s Oshima Island in Fukuoka Prefecture at around 9:40 a.m. on Sunday.

The officials say the fire had not been put out as of 6 p.m. and that firefighting and rescue efforts were ongoing. They add that the Maritime Staff Office will set up a committee to investigate the cause of the incident. Minesweepers are vessels designed to remove sea mines. Ukushima’s hull is made of wood to prevent explosions due to magnetic reactions with mines.