AOMORI – Numerous wooden boats believed to have drifted from North Korea to Tohoku’s Sea of Japan coast have been left where they washed up as…
AOMORI – Numerous wooden boats believed to have drifted from North Korea to Tohoku’s Sea of Japan coast have been left where they washed up as local residents lack the financial resources to dispose of them.
Local governments cannot keep pace with the number of abandoned boats, some of which arrive carrying human remains.
The Japan Coast Guard has confirmed more than 80 such dilapidated and deserted boats have arrived since last November on the shores of Aomori, Akita and Yamagata prefectures.
Residents and authorities want the boats removed as they are an eyesore that could have a negative impact on tourism, while local fishermen complain of oil leaks and having their nets caught up in the abandoned vessels.
