Norwegian Car Carriers ASA (NOCC) today released an update regarding the accident that occurred on Sunday, June 23 involving the fishing vessel “Yujin Maru no. 7″ and “NOCC Oceanic”, confirming that NOCC Oceanic was involved in the collision according to a Japanese Coast Guard’s report.

“We understand that the rescue operation for the missing captain from “Yujin Maru no. 7″, Mr. Hiroshi Yoshizawa has been discontinued. We at Norwegian Car Carriers ASA would like to express our deepest sympathy with the family of Mr.Yoshizawa, and with his colleagues and crew,” NOCC said in a press release.

The Japanese Coast Guard completed its investigations onboard “NOCC Oceanic” on 26 June, and, in full understanding with Japanese authorities, the vessel left the port of Sendai-Shiogama that same afternoon. NOCC Oceanic now continues on her voyage to the US East Coast.

The Captain and the 3rd officer of “NOCC Oceanic” remain in Sendai-Shiogama for further interviews by the Japanese Coast Guard. These interviews are expected to be completed shortly.

Paint samples taken by the Japan Coast Guard confirm that “NOCC Oceanic” and “Yujin Maru no. 7″ did collide on Sunday 23 June. The collision took place some 300 km off the Japanese coast south/east of Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.

The investigations by the Japanese Coast Guard and Japanese Transportation Safety Board regarding the circumstances around the collision are still on- going. Norwegian Car Carriers ASA said that the company will continue to do its utmost to assist Japanese authorities in these investigations.

The NOCC Oceanic is a car carrier, with a capacity of 6,450 CEU which was built in 2012. It is registered in the Marshall Islands.