Bush Envoy Arrives in Japan With Apology
Feb. 27 -- A top U.S. naval officer has issued a formal apology to the government and people of Japan for the Ehime Maru tragedy.
“I sincerely and humbly request — on behalf of the United States government, the United States Navy and the American people — that the government and people of Japan accept our apology for the tragic loss of the Ehime Maru on Feb. 9,” said Adm. William J. Fallon, vice chief of naval operations.
Fallon, the Navy's no. 2 officer in Washington, was sent to Japan as a special envoy to deal with the fallout of the tragedy.
Two civilians were manning key control positions on board the USS Greeneville, a nuclear submarine, as it surfaced rapidly during a drill, striking and sinking the Japanese fishing boat. Of the 35 people aboard the Japanese trawler, 26 people were rescued, but nine people are still missing and presumed dead.
Among the missing are four schoolboys.
Fallon delivered a personal letter from President Bush to Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori "expressing our nation’s apologies and regret to the Japanese people." He will also brief the premier on the status of the investigation into the accident.
He is expected to meet Thursday with families of the missing.
“I know my words cannot express the profound sorrow and regret that the American people feel over this tragic event,” he said after landing at Yokota Air Base, outside of Tokyo. “By coming from Washington to be here in person, I seek not only to apologize, but also to promote better understanding between the people of our two nations.”
'Most Sincere Regret'
On Sunday, the former commander of the Greeneville expressed his "most sincere regret" over the incident.
Cmdr. Scott Waddle's statement was sent by his lawyer to Japan's public television network, NHK, where it was read and broadcast nationwide in Japan.
It came as the Japanese public continued to demand a personal apology from Waddle, and amid reports that the Navy's investigation is widening to include additional Naval personnel.
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