Sudden Flooding at Hashima Coalmine Outside Nagasaki Port

Nine Miners Missing, Two Found Dead

 At around 5:00 p.m. on the 5th, a sudden flood occurred in the vicinity of the No. 6 Shaft of the No. 4 Tunnel of the Hashima Coalmine located in Nish-Sonogi District, Takahama Village. A total of 11 miners were reported missing in the accident. Deputy Manager Ogawa entered the mine with a team of engineers to stop water. However, due to the increased volume of inflow, all drainage pumps of the No. 4 Tunnel were inundated by 8:00 a.m., rendering them inoperable. The bodies of two miners were discovered as the search continued. These were Umeji Harada and Tatsuichi Yamaguchi, both of the Tokoroi-Nishi Bunkhouse. Koshiro Sato and eight others remain missing. Work is continuing on draining the No. 4 Tunnel. The cause of the flooding is believed to be the rupture of a retaining pool in the Right No. 3 Shaft (previously closed).

 Three Confirmed Alive

Water is Beginning to Recede

 The water in the Hashima Coalmine began to recede around 11:00 a.m. Of the nine missing miners, three were found alive. The search for the remaining six is continuing urgently. Tatsuichi Yamaguchi was resuscitated after emergency treatment. The flooding is not expected to expand further.

Rescue Efforts Failed

Another Attempt to be Made with Latest Equipment

Upon receiving news of the accident, Prefectural Police Chief Ishimaru rushed to the Hashima Coalmine to direct the rescue effort. Joining him were Chief Hamada and Deputy Chief Kodama of the Umegasaki Police Department, and Director Yokoo of the Takashima Mining Company. A rescue team was formed and sent to the scene of the accident but was forced to retreat due to the force of the water. In the afternoon of the 5th, the Takashima Mining Company’s three-man rescue team led by Sadao Mitamura arrived with U.S. made rescue equipment. The team is currently preparing to start its rescue operations.

 (January 6, Showa 4 [1929])