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.
Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Soryu-class attack submarine JS Soryu (SS-501) coming back into port after collision with cargo ship Ocean Artemis off of Cape Ashizuri in Japan – damage shown – February 8, 2021 #soryu #ss501 * photo courtesy of Japanese CG Twitter pic.twitter.com/fpIT9uVRHK
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.