766 Chapter 6
Narrative: The Soviets seized numerous Japanese fishing vessels throughout late
1953 and much of 1954. Both states claimed maritime waters around the Kuril Islands.
A pact that ended the dispute was signed by both parties on May 15, 1955, but seizures
and their protests had ceased in June 1954.
MID#2847
Dispute Number: 2847
Date(s): March 24, 1955 to May 14, 1955
Participants: 365 Russia/740 Japan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: The Soviet Union seized a Japanese fishing vessel near northern Japan on
March 24, 1955. This began a series of seizures by the Soviets. While there is not a
specific release date for these fishermen recorded, all remaining fishermen in custody
were released by October 26, 1957.
Coding changes: End Date changed from November 19, 1957. Outcome changed
from Unclear.
MID#2852
Dispute Number: 2852
Date(s): June 4, 1958 to June 7, 1958
Participants: 365 Russia/740 Japan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: The Soviet Union seized five Japanese fishing boats near Hokkaido, Japan,
on June 4, 1958. The vessels and crew were released on May 2, 1959, but the three-
day rule ends this dispute.
Coding changes: End Date changed from October 5, 1958. Outcome changed from
Unclear.
MID#2861
Dispute Number: 2861
Date(s): January 28, 1959 to January 15, 1960
Participants: 365 Russia/740 Japan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On January 28, 1959, the Soviet Union began seizing and detaining Japa-
nese fishing vessels that entered waters less than 12 miles off the coast of Russia. On
March 30, Japan announced that it wished to settle the dispute through the Interna-
tional Court of Justice, but the Soviets kept seizing ships.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from January 27, 1959. End Date changed from
August 24, 1959. Outcome changed from Unclear.