Japanese Navy submarine collides with bulker

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Soryu-class submarine collided with a Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier in the Pacific Ocean.

The incident occurred off Kochi near Shikoku Island, Japan, on 8 February 2021.

The Soryu diesel-electric attack submarine (SS-501) scraped the hull of the ship as it was surfacing while conducting routine training, the Japan Times reported, referring to the country’s defence ministry.

Three sailors assigned to the submarine suffered slight injuries. The 2009-commissioned submarine sustained only minor damages and was able to continue sailing.

The ship in question has been identified as Ocean Artemis, a 2010-built Post-Panamax bulker. According to data provided by VesselsValue, the ship is controlled by China’s Centrans Ocean Shipping Logistics.

The 92,500 dwt vessel reportedly resumed voyage at a reduced speed after investigations were completed.