Seward Seaport Record

U.N. Troopship On Reef As Typhoon Scourges Japan

Tokyo (P) — A typhoon drove a troopship on a reef off the southwest coast of Japan but nearly 100 United Nations soldiers aboard and some of her crew were rescued by a U.S. attack transport.

The Kongo Maru, 450 foot U.S. leased Japanese ship, was hurled on the reef in the Korea Strait Saturday by advance winds of a typhoon that struck southern Japan a damaging blow Sunday.

A Navy announcement said the skipper and 42 crewmen, all Japanese, would stay aboard the vessel unless forced to abandon ship.

There was no immediate indication that the Kongo Maru would break up soon. The vessel was reported firmly wedged on the reef. She was reported taking water in every hold, however, and listing 20 degrees.

Navy sources said the Kongo Maru carried nearly 400 passengers and a crew of about 115.

The U.S. Navy Attack Transport George D. Clymer and two salvage tugs reached the battered and listing Kongo Maru shortly after noon today. A small boat from the Clymer reached the troopship with a line against heavy seas and removal of passengers began immediately.

Typhoon winds today injured six American soldiers at South Camp Fuji, southwest of Tokyo.

The Army estimated damage at the tent encampment of the 56th Amphibious Tank and Tractor Battalion at "thousands of dollars."

Another tent area, at Camp Mower, U.S. installation in the Yokohama area, was flattened by high winds but no military personnel was hurt.

Japanese newsmen reported nearly 200 Japanese casualties from the late season typhoon.