TOKYO — A 21-year-old navigator faces charges of professional negligence following a deadly collision between her empty cargo vessel and a sport fishing boat in central Japanese waters. The incident left two elderly men dead and 11 others injured.

Hanon Sugimoto helmed the 499-tonne, 71-meter cargo ship as it headed toward Kurashiki in western Japan without cargo. The vessel carried a crew of six. She was alone on the bridge Friday afternoon when it struck the right side of a 16-tonne, 15-meter fishing boat anchored off Toba, Mie Prefecture, according to the local coast guard office.

Sugimoto has admitted to being in control at the time of impact, local media reported, citing coast guard officials. The fishing boat split in two from the force of the crash. An 84-year-old man and a 67-year-old man drowned in the chaos. The boat’s captain and 10 passengers suffered injuries, though none appeared life-threatening.

Coast guard investigators quickly detained Sugimoto after the accident. The cargo ship’s position and speed remain under scrutiny. Officials noted the fishing boat had 13 people aboard, all locals out for a day of sport fishing. Rescue teams pulled survivors from the water within minutes.

Mie Prefecture authorities launched a probe into maritime safety protocols. Toba’s busy coastal waters see heavy traffic from fishing vessels and commercial ships. This crash marks the latest in a string of navigation mishaps in the region, though fatalities remain rare.

Sugimoto, a recent hire on the vessel, offered no immediate explanation for the collision during initial questioning. Coast guard reports state clear weather and good visibility prevailed. The cargo ship sustained minor hull damage but remained afloat.

Families of the victims gathered at Toba’s harbor Saturday, demanding answers. Local officials promised a thorough review of bridge staffing rules for smaller cargo operations. Japan’s maritime law requires at least two watchkeepers on larger vessels, but exemptions apply to ships under 500 tonnes.

The dead men were identified as residents of nearby Ise City. Funerals are set for next week. Injured passengers, mostly in their 60s and 70s, received treatment at Toba City Hospital. The fishing boat, a popular charter for tourists, now lies in pieces on the seabed.

Coast guard experts will analyze voyage data recorders from both vessels. Preliminary findings point to human error. Sugimoto could face up to five years in prison if convicted of professional negligence resulting in death.