Key Facts
• Four ferries connecting Tomakomai, Hokkaido, and Oarai, Ibaraki, stranded offshore July 30-31.
• Tsunami warnings and evacuation orders issued at both ports prevented docking.
• 900 passengers and crew spent the night aboard the vessels.
• “Furano” and “Sapporo” ferries, scheduled to dock July 30, waited offshore.
• Two additional ferries scheduled for nighttime arrival also remained offshore.
• Safety clearance granted by 8:30 AM on July 31 after consultation with authorities.
• Disembarkation began at 9:00 AM, starting with 320 passengers from “Furano.”
• Free dinner and breakfast provided during the wait; no health issues reported.
Summary
Four ferries connecting Tomakomai, Hokkaido, and Oarai, Ibaraki, were unable to dock from July 30 to the morning of July 31 due to tsunami warnings and evacuation orders. A total of 900 passengers and crew spent the night aboard the vessels offshore. The ferries, including “Furano” and “Sapporo,” were granted docking clearance by 8:30 AM on July 31 after safety consultations. Disembarkation began shortly after, with 320 passengers from “Furano” being the first to leave. During the wait, passengers were provided with free meals, and no health issues were reported.
