An Israel Shipping and Ports Administration investigator is going to Hong Kong to investigate a collision between Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. ship Zim Asia and a Japanese fishing boat. Seven fishermen were killed in the accident, and one injured.
At the end of the investigation the Zim Asia’s crew will be questioned by Japanese investigators, and samples will be taken from the ship’s hull, after the Ministry of Transport acceded to a request by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, even though the accident occurred in international waters.
The Japanese Coast Guard will send an officer to Israel to investigate the causes of the accident. The Japanese government has notified the Israeli government to this effect, and is waiting for a reply. Israel is a signatory to the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to Penal Jurisdiction in Matters of Collision or other Incidents of Navigation (1952) involved in accidents. If the crew is found liable, criminal action will be taken against them.
On September 29, the Zim Asia, a 41,507-ton container ship collided with the 19-ton Shinsei Maru No.3 off Hokkaido. Zim initially said it had no connection with the accident, but revised its version after paint tests of the two ships. Zim chairman Idan Ofer said Zim Asia’s captain was asleep at the time of the accident, and had not felt it, otherwise he would have stopped the ship.
On Monday, Ofer met Japanese Ambassador to Israel Jun Yokota to apologize for the accident and send his condolences to the bereaved families. Ofer said he would send a delegation headed by Zim CEO Doron Goder to offer aid to the bereaved families if it is needed.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on October 6, 2005