World · July 12, 2026
Harbor Workers’ Swift Response Saves Driver in Wakayama
A tanker truck went into the water at Saikazaki Fishing Port in Wakayama City during June. The driver, believed to be in his 50s, remained trapped in the cab. Nearby boat workers Yoshiyuki Ikeda, 81, and Norikazu Mizumoto, 68, immediately entered the water. They reached the vehicle, pulled the driver through a broken side window and cut his seat belt. The driver was transported to a hospital and survived.
By Yomiuri Shimbun
Two longtime members of the waterfront community are being recognized for transforming an alarming accident into a story of courage, cooperation and hope.
A routine day at Saikazaki Fishing Port became an extraordinary display of community spirit when two local men rushed to assist a driver whose tanker truck had fallen into the harbor.
The accident occurred in June at the coastal facility in Wakayama City. After the vehicle entered the water, its driver was unable to escape from the cab.
Yoshiyuki Ikeda, an 81-year-old marine-business owner, and his 68-year-old colleague, Norikazu Mizumoto, were working nearby when they saw what had happened. Understanding that every moment mattered, the pair entered the harbor and made their way toward the partially submerged truck.
The impact had already damaged one of the cab’s side windows, giving the rescuers a narrow way to reach the driver. They carefully pulled him toward the opening and freed him from the seat belt before bringing him out of the vehicle.
Emergency personnel transported the driver, believed to be in his 50s, to a hospital. He survived the ordeal, turning what could have become a tragedy into a powerful example of neighbors looking after one another.
The Wakayama Coast Guard formally recognized Ikeda and Mizumoto on June 30 during a presentation at the Wakayama Port Joint Government Building. Both men received letters acknowledging their quick judgment and willingness to act under dangerous conditions.
Ikeda responded to the recognition with humility, explaining that helping someone in danger felt like a natural responsibility for a member of the local community. He also expressed hope that the rescued driver would make the most of the life preserved that day and one day extend similar kindness to someone else.
The incident has also highlighted the value of being prepared for emergencies near water. Coast Guard officials encouraged motorists to keep a compact window-breaking device inside their vehicles, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding or severe rain.
For the people of Saikazaki, however, the lasting message reaches beyond emergency equipment. The rescue demonstrates how experience, compassion and decisive action can come together when a community member needs help most.
Based on reporting by the Yomiuri Shimbun. This article is an original English adaptation and does not reproduce the source’s wording.