The Japan coast guard identified the trawler and its owner after Canadian officials provided the identification number on the hull of the ship.

CNN: U.S. Coast Guard sinks Japanese boat washed away by tsunami

After police retrieved the vehicle identification number of the Pathfinder, they located the registered owner of the vehicle.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The Japan Coast Guard identified the owner of the vessel after being contacted by Canadian officials, who were provided the identification number on the hull.

CNN: U.S Coast Guard sinks Japanese fishing trawler near Alaska