JUNE 24, 2013 — Norwegian Car Carriers (NOCC) reports that it has been informed by the Japanese Coast Guard that, on 23 June 10:15 hours (LT), the Japanese flagged fishing vessel Yujin Maru no. 7 was hit by another vessel and broke in two, some 300 km off the Japanese coast southeast of Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.

The Japanese Coast Guard believes the PCTC NOCC Oceanic may have been involved in the collision, and has instructed the vessel to proceed to the nearest port, Sendai-Shiogama, for investigations, including a check of the hull.

According to the 2nd Regional Office of Japan Coast Guard, eight crew members were rescued by the sister ship Yoshi Maru No.55 at 13:50 hours LT on the same day.

"Regrettably," says NOCC, "we understand the Captain of Yujin Maru no. 7 is still missing and that a rescue operation has been launched. We sincerely hope that the missing person will be found."

NOCC says that the master of NOCC Oceanic has not reported any indications that the vessel has been involved in such a collision. NOCC says it "will, of course, contribute fully to the investigation" and that NOCC Oceanic is now underway to Sendai-Shiogama port, where she is due to arrive on Monday 21:00 hours LT.

A team representing NOCC, its insurance underwriters and technical manager are en route to Sendai-Shiogama to assist in this investigation.

The 6,450 car capacity Marshall Island's flag NOCC Oceanic was built in 2012.