Body found in northern territories

The Yomiuri Shimbun

12:49 JST, May 13, 2022

A body has been found in the Russian-occupied northern territories, the Japan Coast Guard announced Friday.

The 1st Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Otaru, Hokkaido, said it has been informed by Russian authorities that a woman’s body was found on the territory of Kunashiri island on May 6.

It is not yet known whether the body is that of one of the 12 victims of a Hokkaido sightseeing boat accident who remain unaccounted for. The Kazu I sunk off the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido last month with 26 people aboard.

The JCG said it was contacted by Russian authorities on Tuesday.

The government is seeking information from the Russian side through diplomatic channels to confirm whether the body is that of one of the victims.

Russian authorities said no personal belongings that could lead to identification were found on the body, which is being held at a hospital on Kunashiri island.