US soldiers save Japan sailor stabbed at Solomon Islands service

Two American servicemen have rushed to save a Japanese navy sailor who was stabbed in a bizarre incident in the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands security officials restrain a man who allegedly attacked a Japanese sailor with scissors during a World War II memorial ceremony. Picture: AFP

Eighty years after their countrymen fought each other in the Battle for Guadalcanal, two American servicemen have rushed to save a Japanese Navy sailor who was stabbed in a ­bizarre incident in the Solomon Islands.

After a local man attacked the Japanese Navy photographer during a Guadalcanal campaign service on Monday, he was saved from serious harm by a US marine and a US Coast Guard officer, who tackled the attacker and dragged him away.

Australia’s Minister for the Pacific, Pat Conroy, was among the dignitaries in the audience, along with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Japanese Defence Minister Mak­oto Oniki.

A Japanese official told New Zealand website Stuff that the victim had a stab wound on the right side of his neck but was not seriously injured.

“He’s OK – there’s a bit of blood, but he’s OK,” he said.

The weapon used was reportedly a small pair of scissors, but The Australian spoke to another of the bystanders who said it looked like a small knife.

The injured man was treated by US military medics.

The attack occurred at Bloody Ridge, the site of a key battle during the campaign, about 30 minutes from Honiara.

Village chief Wesley Ramo told Stuff his community deeply regretted what had occurred.

“We’re very sad this has happened, and we just want to apologise to everyone,” he said.

The incident followed a weekend Dawn Service, which Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare declined to attend.

Local media described his ­decision as a “snub” after he was listed in the official program.

Mr Sogavare’s relationship with Australia and the US has been strained in recent times over his close relationship with China.

Ms Sherman, who later had a closed-door meeting with Mr Sogavare, said she was dis­appointed he did not attend the event, to commemorate the strength of the bonds between the countries “that allowed for freedom in Solomon Islands”.

“I told the Prime Minister that I was sorry his schedule did not permit him to come because I thought he missed out,” Ms Sherman said.