(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-03-21 09:29

TOKYO - Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday removed Adm. Eiji Yoshikawa from the post of the chief of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) following last month's collision between an Aegis destroyer and a fishing boat, which left two fishermen dead.

Meanwhile, Adm. Keiji Akahoshi, commandant of the MSDF Sasebo District Headquarters was appointed as the new MSDF chief.

The appointment, which has been approved by the Cabinet, will come into effect on Monday, defense officials said.

The MSDF has been under public censure since February 19 when the maritime accident occurred.