Boat Engulfed in Flames off Japan Coast

A boat was engulfed in flames off the coast of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, in the Akashi Strait. The incident was first reported by the Kobe Coast Guard Force, who observed smoke rising from the boat near the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge around 2:30 PM local time. Quick responses from the Coast Guard and local fire departments helped to manage the situation. Three people onboard the boat were forced to jump into the sea to escape the flames, and were subsequently rescued with minor injuries by a nearby ship. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.