A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweeper has been wrecked and sunk after a massive fire engulfed the vessel. The incident occurred after a fire broke out on board the vessel and the crew was unable to contain and extinguish it in the open sea.

The exact location of the incident, as well as the number of crew members on board at the time of the fire, have not yet been disclosed. Japanese authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident. According to preliminary information, the fire is believed to have started in the engine room or in one of the warehouses where minesweeping equipment was stored.

For Japan, which has increasingly focused on strengthening its defense capabilities amid regional tensions, the incident comes as a significant blow.