Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issues related to the collision accident between a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel and a fishing vessel

REPORTER: In relation to the collision involving the Osumi and a fishing vessel, two people suffered cardio-respiratory arrests. What is their current condition?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Japan Coast Guard is currently investigating the situation of the accident and other factors in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense. Meanwhile, two of the four crew members on the small vessel have suffered cardio-respiratory arrests and have been transported to a hospital in Iwakuni City. They are currently receiving intensive medical treatment, just as I announced this morning.

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the situation of the collision, if such details are currently available. Could you share with us what you know at this point? For example, could you tell us whether the Osumi warned the fishing vessel of its presence, or what the state of the Osumi's surveillance was at the time?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At present, the Japan Coast Guard is investigating the situation of the accident and other factors in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense. Therefore, I would like to refrain from informing the details of the accident at this time.

REPORTER: The Prime Minister just returned to the Prime Minister's Office. Has he provided any instructions or presented a policy in relation to the accident?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Immediately after the accident, the Prime Minister issued instructions regarding three truly fundamental policies, including the rescue of the lives of those involved in the accident. Therefore, we will thoroughly address the situation in line with these instructions.

REPORTER: Did the Prime Minister make any direct comment about the accident?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister did not mention any particular details about the accident. I did however tell the Prime Minister that we are thoroughly addressing the accident. I made a report to the Prime Minister.

REPORTER: Following the 2008 collision involving the Atago, the delays in the information relay system became a major concern. Am I correct to understand that based on the lessons learned from the previous accident, this time communication within the Government was carried out promptly?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, accident investigation committees were launched within the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces in the case of the Atago collision. They outlined the cause of the accident and compiled measures to prevent recurrence. With regard to the Osumi accident, the Japan Coast Guard is currently investigating the  situation of the accident and an accident investigation committee has also been launched within the Ministry of Defense. As such, we are now in the process of conducting a rigorous investigation to identify the cause of the accident. We must thoroughly assess the specific circumstances under which the accident took place and are currently making extensive efforts to this end.

REPORTER: Please let me ask another question. Earlier, Minister of Defense Onodera came to see the Prime Minister for reporting. Were you also present when the two met?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No, I was not present.

REPORTER: May I ask one more question? I understand that a Parliamentary Secretary went to the scene of the accident. Could you share with us any information, such as the current situation and the status of his activities?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have yet to be directly briefed, but for now, I was informed that given the gravity of the accident, a Parliamentary Secretary has currently been dispatched to the scene.

(Abridged)