Six dead in Japanese ship wreck

A fierce storm dislodged a freighter anchored off the coast of Japan Saturday, forcing it into rocks that split the vessel and left at least six men dead.

The South Korean-registered ship, the 5,500-ton Marine Osaka, was anchored in Ishikari Bay, Okkaido, when gale-force winds pushed it into the breakwater of Otaru, the Mainichi Times reported.

The vessel, which had a crew of 16, split into three sections and six crew members died, including the captain, before rescue workers could reach the stricken vessel.

The Marine Osaka was scheduled to load cargo at Otaru and then sail for South Korea.

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