THE ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS
The Lucky Dragon
Discovery of what had happened to the crewmen of the Lucky Dragon after
they arrived in Japan caused a furor, touched off by the natural sensitivity
of the Japanese concerning radiation exposure because of the experience of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
It also engendered a later nationwide hysteria con-
cerning radioactive contamination of tuna and other fish caught near the test
zone.
At that time Dr.
Toshiyuki Kumatori, who would
Later visit Rongelap with
Dr. Conard's team in 1964 and would again accompany the team in 1972 as a
consultant to the Special Joint Committee, was working at the First National
Hospital of Tokyo.
Seven of the more severe cases were sent
University Hospital.
to the Tokyo
Since he had worked at the University Hospital for
several years previously and knew the hospital director,
the other 16 be sent to his hospital.
he requested that
During its visit to Tokyo in 1972, Dr.
Kumatori discussed generally what had happened to the men, who ranged in age
from 18 to 39 vears.
They suffered effects similar to those experienced by
the Rongelapese, and they were given normal medication and treatment.
six months, case no.
After
14, exposed to an estimated 510 - 590 rads, who was the
radio operator and who had not informed anyone of their experience near
Bikini,
died.
caused by his
Dr.
Kumatori stated that
irradiation,
it was not clear whether this was
or from another cause.
transfusions were given to some of
the men,
He noted that blood
and since at that
time hospitals
did not use disposable syringes, the possibility of the patient contracting
67
LO1r4b 44.