JAPAN, 12TH 2017, LIMA CHARLIE NEWS WIRE

| The Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) rescued 26 North Koreans from a sinking North Korean cargo ship 38 miles (61 kilometers) outside of the Japanese coast line.  The JCG received a distress signal from the ship just outside of Kyushu Prefecture, which is located southwest of the Goto Islands, and responded immediately. The events took place late Wednesday (11th of January) local time.

The North Korean cargo ship was the 6,558 ton “Chong Gen” and  was transporting more than five thousand tons of rice from Nampo port on North Korea’s west coast, to Wongsan in the east, this according to statement by the JCG.

During 2015 and 2016 a number of so called “ghost ships” appeared on Japan’s coastline. The vessels all carried the bodies of dead crew members and are believed to have originated in North Korea. The official cause announced for the majority of these incidents has been listed as poor training on the crew, and the poor condition of equipment required to sail in the strait. In late 2015 alone, more than 12 so called “ghost ships” washed up on Japan’s coast.

At the present time Japan does not have formal diplomatic relations with North Korea, this after a series of kidnappings of Japanese citizens by North Korean agents.

All crew of the “Chong Gen” are safe and uninjured, according to a JCG spokesperson.

JOHN SJOHOLM, LIMA CHARLIE NEWS

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