Air Search For Japanese Fishing Vessel Called Off

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29273, 3 August 1960, Page 14

Air Search For Japanese Fishing Vessel Called Off

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, August 2. The Japanese Foreign Ministry has signalled the search and rescue organisation at Nandi, Fiji, that only one fishing vessel, the Citose Maru, is missing between Fiji and New Zealand. Earlier, it had asked the search and rescue centre to look for two missing trawlers, and Sunderlands from No. 5 (Maritime) Squadron at Lauthala May, Fiji, were called in to assist. It would appear now that at no stage were two fishing vessels missing. During the search, which ended today, the Sunderlands covered 54,000 square miles and sighted and identified 31 Japanese fishing vessels, but they made no contact with the Citose Maru, which has been missing with a crew of 22 since July 21,

The search and rescue centre has reported that the area of probability has been fully covered, and the search has been called off pending further information. The centre has suggested that a sea search be carried out by the other fishing vessels.

A Press Association cablegram from Suva reports that Mr Yukio Kato, the business manager of the Nippon Suisan Company’s tuna fleet, who called at Suva today in the mother-ship Nojima Maru, said that the disappearance of the Citose Maru was a complete mystery. Mr Kato said the 99-ton Citose Maru was launched in April and was on her first fishing cruise under charter to the Nippon Suisan Company. She had sailed for the fishing grounds from Onahama on June 9 Oh July 18

she discharged fish to the Nojima Maru, took in bunker oil and stores and cruised off for another loading. She was in regular radio contact with the mother-ship at least twice a day for the next three days. Then she failed to make further contact. At the last contact she gave her position as 600 miles south-south-west of Suva and 420 miles north of New Zealand. Mr Kato said when the Citose Maru was considered overdue six other fishing vessels were ordered to search. One vessel was still searching today but the others had resumed fishing. Mr Kato said his company and the owners of the missing ship were extremely grateful to the Royal New Zealand Air Force for its long search. He said the loss of Citose Maru the first vessel of the fleet to be lost this year, was comparable with the loss of the Kasuga Maru south of Ocean Island last year. The ships had disappeared in almost identical circumstances.