A large passenger boat ‘Pacific Venus’ made a call at Ohfunato Port
[From Ohfunato City-my stricken home town]
– East Japan Great Earthquake & Tsunami Disaster-
A large passenger boat ‘Pacific Venus’ (Japan Cruise Line. Ltd. 26,549tons）entered Ohfunato Port on September 6. Although, arrival was delayed two days caused by the typhoon 12, the passenger boat was welcomed warmly by citizens of Ohfunato City. ‘Pacific Venus’ has arrived Ohfunato Port seven times since 2009.
The passenger boat was due at Ohfunato Port on September 4 on the cruising tour of round-the-Japan in autumn.’ The departure from Kobe Port was forced to delay two days because the typhoon 12 struck Honshu Island on scheduled departure day.
A large number of citizens, including ‘Ohfunato Tsubaki-musume’ or Miss Camellias of Ohfunato City, waved their hands from the wharf when a large white body of the passenger boat was approaching. The passengers of the boat couldn’t take their eyes off from stricken area of Ohfunato town from the deck.
At the welcome ceremony, vice mayor of the city Mr. Kinno gave an address. ‘Although, we were greatly suffered at the natural disaster, we are now trying hard to recover and reconstruct our city.’
‘Our boat could enter the port without any trouble. I hope that more people and also goods come arrive to Ohfunato Port. I am really waiting the time when all citizens can back to normal.’ The captain, Mr. Kazuyoshi Yura encouraged citizens.
About 150 passengers enjoyed walking around Ohfunato City, including famous ‘Goishi Seaside’, and deepened their understanding of nature and culture by its departing time of 17:00.
The captain invited residents from cities and a town in Kesen district to his boat as a part of supporting activities. The residents enjoyed seeing inside of the boat and communicating with crews.
Ms. Sayoko Takashima (75), a passenger who is from Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture said. ‘It’s really a beautiful port surrounded by green mountains behind. I felt that rubbles have been almost removed from the stricken towns.’
＜Reference＞
http://www.tohkaishimpo.com/
View Ohfunato Port in a larger map
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