Japan MSDF minesweeper sinks after catching fire, 1 crew still missing

TOKYO, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) minesweeper vessel capsized and sank on Monday after catching fire off the coast of southwestern prefecture of Fukuoka the previous day, local media reported.

The fire was extinguished after the MSDF's minesweeper Ukushima toppled on its side shortly after midnight, allowing the coast guard to begin search operations, but one crewman remain