Sub captain in Japan for condolences

The former captain of an American submarine which sank a Japanese ship last year has arrived in Japan to offer personal condolences to the families of people who died in the accident.

The captain, former United States Navy Commander Scott Waddle, will attempt to meet victims' relatives in their hometown, Uwajima.

Correspondents say it is uncertain what kind of a reception he will receive.

Nine men and teenage boys were killed when the submarine, USS Greeneville, surfaced and struck the fishing boat off the coast of Hawaii.

Scott Waddle was reprimanded but was allowed to retire at full rank, raising criticism in Japan that he had not been adequately punished.

Most of the families of the victims later agreed to accept an American offer of compensation.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service