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.