The general cargo ship Yamato Maru No 8 capsized and sank after collision with another cargo vessel Hosho Maru in Inner Japan Sea on 2 nautical miles off Ueshima island, Japan. As result from collision, the general cargo ship Yamato Maru No 8, loaded with gravel, started getting water ingress and capsized, leaving all the crew into the water. Three from the seamen on board went missing, one died in hospital, while others were rescued but had slight injuries. The local authorities and local fishermen started search and rescue operation for the missing seamen, but currently there is no result. Many of them might be in water trap inside the capsized vessel.

The both ships were proceeding on crossing routes and collided due to human mistake and lack of communication between the duty officers. The local authorities presume that the officers overtrusted to the radar equipment and did not assessed situation right. The further investigation of the accident will show the exact tracks of the vessels and the VHF communication between the both bridges.

The cargo vessel Hosho Maru suffered bow damages, but remained afloat without water ingress. The ship proceeded by own power to Ueshima anchorage, where was detained for inspection.

The general cargo ship Yamato Maru No 8 (IMO: 8815372) is owned and operated by the Japanese company Eiki Kaiun. The vessel was built in 1989 by Imura Shipyard in Komatsushima, Japan. The vessel has deadweight of 600 DWT and gross tonnage of 499 GRT.

The cargo vessel Hosho Maru (IMO: 8742630) has deadweight of 1,630 DWT and gross tonnage of 799 GRT. The vessel was built in 2008 by Namikata Shipbuilding in their shipyard in Imabari, Japan. The owner and operator of the cargo vessel is Japanese company Aisho Kisen.