As in any well publicized accident there are probably plenty of fingers to be pointed in plenty of directions. Fishermen in the 20th Century have always known that subs present a peculiar danger to their gear and their lives. One of the dangers for trawlers has been to snag a sub with their nets.

As I understand it there was a crowd of people in the control room. It is probably understandable why the trawler was not spotted. I do not for a minute believe that the civilians at the controls were to blame.

This is a real tragedy for the Japanese victims and their relatives. It could have been prevented but wasn't. Now we have to learn our lessons and make sure those people didn't die in vain. New regulations will be promulgated to ensure it doesn't happen.

In the meantime a Navy commander's career will be ruined and international relations are strained. In Japan families weep and a politician's career has been tarnished. I can only hope that nationalistic posturing doesn't make the tragedy a focal point for shouted slogans and sign waving.