Final Update: Coast Guard Sinks Derelict Japanese Tsunami Vessel

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Anacapa successfully sank the derelict fishing vessel Ryou-Un Maru 180 miles west of the Southeast Alaskan coast on Thursday, April 5 at 6:15 p.m.

The Anacapa crew began its operation to sink the vessel at approximately 1 p.m. and completed two gunnery evolutions shooting highly explosive ammunition into the vessel until it sank in 6,072 feet of water.

"For the safety of mariners, sinking the vessel was the quickest way to properly address the danger this unattended vessel posed," said Capt. Daniel Travers, Coast Guard District 17 Incident Manager. "The Anacapa crew did an outstanding job safely completing their mission."

The Coast Guard worked closely with federal, state and local agencies to assess the immediate dangers the vessel presented and determined that sinking the vessel at sea would be the best course of action to help minimize any navigation and environmental threats. Light sheening and minimal debris have been reported from the sinking of the vessel, and the sheening is expected to quickly dissipate at sea.

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Source: United States Coast Guard