US envoy in Japan on sub apology mission

Admiral Fallon is in Japan with a message of apology from U.S. President George W. Bush

TOKYO, Japan -- A special envoy to President George W. Bush has arrived in Japan to apologize for the sinking of a high school training boat by a U.S. submarine.

Adm. William J. Fallon arrived at Yokota Air Base, a U.S. military facility on the outskirts of Tokyo, before a meeting with Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, when he is expected to hand-deliver a letter from Bush.

Officials here will also be looking for an explanation over the causes of the Feb. 9 accident off the island of Oahu, and why the U.S. had been slow to reveal that civilian guests were at the controls of the sub.

Fallon said the letter from Bush expressed "our nation's apologies and regret" and added that while in Japan he would update officials and relatives on U.S. efforts to recover the sunken Japanese vessel and determine why the accident occurred.

"I know my words cannot express the profound sorrow and regret that the American people feel over this tragic event," Fallon said in a statement upon arrival.

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"By coming from Washington to be here in person, I seek not only to apologize, but to promote better understanding between the people of our two nations."

Salvage vessel

CNN's Tokyo Bureau Chief Marina Kamimura reported the general sentiment among Japanese officials is one of appreciation for the U.S. to send such a high-ranking officer to offer direct apology.

Family members of the missing, however, are far more concerned about if and when the U.S. will raise the sunken Ehime Maru.

"They would like to see their loved ones again, even if it is just the remains, and there is a strong feeling among them that (those missing) might have been trapped when the boat sank." Kamimura said.

Relatives of the dead have refused to accept sub commander Scott Waddle's apology

Nine people, including four students, remain missing and are presumed dead.

Fallon is scheduled to meet with the family members on Wednesday morning, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda. Fallon, the number two officer in the U.S. Navy, will also meet government officials and hold a press conference before leaving Thursday.

Direct apology

Despite repeated expressions of regret over the accident by American officials, many of the relatives of the missing have demanded a direct apology, and Fallon's visit is an attempt to assuage that anger.

The submarine's commander Scott Waddle had faxed a statement expressing his "most sincere regret" for the accident.

Relatives of the missing said they will not accept an apology unless it is made in person.

Bush's decision to send Fallon reflects the importance Washington places on its security alliance with Japan, which hosts about 50,000 U.S. troops.

The Ehime Maru was operated by a high school for aspiring sailors in Uwajima, a small fishing village about 700 kilometers (430 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

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