Overview

• On August 13, Yuki Mochizuki, captain of the gravel transport ship Dai 38 Sadamaru, was arrested on suspicion of professional negligence causing death and endangering maritime traffic.
• The yacht’s sole occupant, Makoto Yamamoto (70), was found in cardiopulmonary arrest around 10:00 a.m. and later died at a hospital.
• Coast guard vessels, aircraft and private fishing boats conducted searches and recovered debris believed to be from the yacht, confirming it sank.
• Authorities reported visibility between 50 and 200 meters due to fog in the busy Oita shipping lanes at the time of the collision.
• Local sailing groups cautioned mariners to avoid sailing in low visibility and to verify emergency communication systems before departure.