Key Facts
• June 26, 2025: Two men in their 30s stranded on a flooded mini boat.
• Mini boat measured 2.8 meters and was used for fishing near Naoetsu Port.
• Strong winds and high waves caused water to flood the boat, disabling the engine.
• Kanda Shunichi, stationed on a 10-meter-high watchtower, spotted the distress signal.
• Two workboats, “Tsubaki” and “Sakura,” coordinated the rescue operation.
• “Tsubaki” rescued the two men; “Sakura” towed the boat to safety.
• No injuries were reported during the incident.
• The rescue team included seven crew members from the Joetsu Thermal Power Plant.
• Joetsu Coast Guard commended the team with certificates of appreciation.
• Deputy Director Yuichiro Sakai noted the timely rescue due to LNG ship preparations.
Summary
On June 26, 2025, two men in their 30s were rescued after their mini boat flooded near Naoetsu Port, Niigata Prefecture. Strong winds and high waves caused the boat to take on water, disabling its engine. Kanda Shunichi, stationed on a watchtower for LNG ship preparations, spotted their distress signal and coordinated a rescue using two workboats, “Tsubaki” and “Sakura.” The men were safely brought aboard, and the boat was towed to port. No injuries occurred. The Joetsu Coast Guard recognized the seven-member rescue team with certificates of appreciation, highlighting the importance of their swift actions. Deputy Director Yuichiro Sakai emphasized that the rescue’s success was due to the ongoing preparations for the LNG ship’s arrival.
