Ghost ship swept away by Japanese tsunami washes ashore in US

A ghost ship that was swept away in the Japanese tsunami has washed ashore in the US - with a precious cargo on board.

The unidentified fishing vessel, which is marked with Japanese lettering, was found on a beach in Oregon after an incredible six years at sea.

Although the wreck clearly showed the signs of wear and tear you'd expect it was also teeming with life, including gooseneck barnacles which can sell for £90 a plate.

Pictures show masses of the sea creatures clinging to the overturned hull, as well as seagulls feeding on them.

Although the barnacles on the upturned hull are far from appetising, people risk their lives to



search for the rare delicacy which can fetch a huge price onshore.

They would have accumulated on the hull of the vessel over the years it spent at sea after the devastating natural disaster which struck Japan in 2011.

Experts believe that the boat most likely became trapped by the Kuroshio Current which runs along the islands' east coast.

Professor David Tappin of the British Geological Survey – who was one of the first foreigners to assess the damage to Japan back in 2011 – described the ship’s likely journey.

“The material that was flooded out was picked up by the Kuroshio Current, which swept it eastwards," he said.