JOHN C, BUGHER, MD MERRIL EISENBUD CONTAMINATION OF THE FUKURYU MARU AND ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS IN JAPAN: PRELIMINARY REPORT I have recorded some of the observations made during my visit to Japan to assist in the various problems arising out of the mishap to the Fukuryu Maru. I am sending this rtong to you at this time because you will no doubt want a preliminary report prior to my return to the states in about 2 weeks. This memorandum is intended to augment the report that Dr. Morton will submit to you. I have attempted to limit myself to factors other than those associated with the clinical phases of the problem, with which Dr. Morton's group are concerned. THE INCIDENT The mishap which befell the Fukuryu Maru became known to the Embassy and the world on March 16 through reports in the Japanese press. This was two days after the 100-ton fishing vessel had returned to its home port of Yaizu.e. The facts of the incident, as determined by the Japanese Foreign Office and communicated (1) to the Ambassador, are as follows: (1) The course of the vessel from its departure on January 27 to its re- turn to Yaizu on March 14 is plotted in Figure No. 1. At O12 hours on March 1 a streak of light reported by the crew is believed to identify the time of detonation. The vessel's position was approximately 11° 5341 north and 166° 331 east, This position is only a few miles from the easternmost limit of the Marshall Islands danger area in effect at that time. (2) Two blasts in succession were heard about 7 or 8 minutes after the light had been seen, The crew is reported to have become apprehensive and began at that time to haul in their fishing lines, an operation which continued untii 1030 hours, at which time the vessel headed north "to get out of the area", (3) white. At about 0700 on March.1, ashes began to fall, turning the deck The position of the vessel at this time is given at 11° 563/h! nurth and 166° 241! east. The ashes kept falling until noon at which time the position of the vessel was estimated at 12° 14! north and 166° 53: east. (1) ‘ Aide Memoire of Mareh 27 ng | UNCLAS3Sirice