Crew of 24 Drifting Aboard Russian Trawler in Sea of Japan

A Japanese Coast Guard rescue team has been sent to aid the Russian trawler, ALANET. A crew of 24 fishermen is in distress off Japan’s Hokkaido Island.

The vessel’s captain reported engine failure. They have no power and are drifting in the Sea of Japan, about 60 miles from the Tsugaru Strait.

The ship is in distress due to the failure of the main engine, according to the captain of the Vladivostok Sea Port. Negotiations are currently taking place with Japan, as the ship is in waters that fall under the authority of Japan.

The rescue operation, as well as the salvage operation, may be affected by extreme weather conditions in the area. Waves are reaching heights of up to nearly ten feet.

According to UPI, the ALANET is owned by Kamchatka-based company, Kamchatrybprom.