Divers begin Japan trawler inspection

A diving support barge positioned above the sub

US Navy divers have started their inspection of the Japanese trawler Ehime Maru which was sunk in a collision with a US submarine in February.

The navy has promised to try to recover the bodies of nine Japanese students and teachers, missing since the USS Greeneville smashed into the fishing boat during an emergency drill.

Two divers carried out a thorough survey around the boat's exterior on Monday - and more divers were expected on Tuesday to clear hazards off the decks.

The vessel now lies in about 35 metres (115 feet) of water after being lifted and towed more than 25km (16 miles) from its resting place at a depth of about in 2,000 feet (500 metres).

Ladders are being attached to the Ehime Maru's port side for use by surface-supplied divers operating from a diving support barge moored over the wreckage.

The entire search of the 190-foot (38-metre) trawler could take up to one month.

There was a public outcry in Japan over the accident in which two teachers, four 17-year-old students, and three crewmen were killed. Twenty-six people survived.

Heartfelt gratitude

But on Monday, the principal of the Uwajima Fisheries High School, from which four students went missing, thanked the US and Japanese governments and the US Navy for their efforts.

The sub's commander, Scott Waddle, has retired

Ietaka Horita said: "I express appreciation from the bottom of my heart... From now on, I would like to ask for the recovery of the missing people and their personal belongings,"

The complex operation, which has been hit by delays, has cost about $60m so far, $20m more than originally planned.

Hawaii has often been a choice spot for training voyages, as it is considered a safe destination with its calm waters and medical facilities.

In April, US Navy Commander Scott Waddle, 41, was found guilty of dereliction of duty and reprimanded for his role in the accident.