Posted on: Thursday, March 29, 2001

U.S. to foot Ehime Maru medical bills

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Some of the nine students rescued from the sinking of the Ehime Maru received bills from hospitals in Hawai'i, but a Navy spokesman said yesterday that the U.S. government will pay the bills.

The Navy had promised to cover all costs for those rescued after the Japanese fishing boat was struck by the submarine USS Greeneville on Feb. 9 about nine miles south of O'ahu.

"The U.S. government has been committed (from the outset) to pay all medical expenses," said Lt. Col. Dewey Ford, deputy chief of public affairs for the Pacific Command. "We've made arrangements to have all bills sent to us, and anything outstanding will be paid."