All 12 seafarers have been rescued after abandoning a listing ro-ro that hit an underwater rock off southern Japan.
Broadcaster NHK reported that the accident involving the 2,200-lane-metre Suou (built 2019) happened in the early hours of Tuesday off the city of Matsuyama.
The crew members took to life rafts and were picked up by a coastguard patrol boat about 90 minutes later.
After hitting the rock, the Japan-flag vessel drifted unmanned for more than seven-and-a-half hours before being taken under tow by a salvage company tug and transported to Yashiro Island in Yamaguchi prefecture.
According to the coastguard, the Suou was 19km off the coast when the incident occurred.
A spokesperson told NHK the coastguard had been informed the ship would be abandoned.
One seafarer complained of not feeling well due to a chronic illness and was taken to hospital, but no injuries were reported.
No fuel spill has been reported.
A heavy list was seen to starboard and the vessel was down by the bow.
The coastguard issued a warning to ships in the area.
The ro-ro was heading from Hakata to Yamaguchi, carrying cars and other cargo.
The sea was reportedly calm and visibility was good at the time.
The coastguard has begun an investigation and has interviewed the Suou’s master.
The ship, which is owned by Shunzan Kaiun of Japan, has no port state control inspections listed.
The insurer is not known.
