Japan Confirms Boat on Washington Beach From Tsunami

April 12, 2013

State and federal officials have confirmed that the boat that washed ashore near Long Beach, Wash., with several fish native to Japan inside, did travel across the Pacific after the 2011 tsunami.

The Japanese consulate told the state’s Emergency Management Division that the owner of the 20-foot-long Sai-shou-maru does not want the boat returned.

State officials say It is expected to go on display at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Ore.

Meanwhile, scientists will be studying the plants, fish and other creatures found on board to figure out how it survived such a long journey.

Except for one fish that the Seaside, Ore., Aquarium has agreed to quarantine and exhibit, the rest were euthanized to minimize the risk of introducing invasive species to Washington.

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