Search for missing continues in Hokkaido

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:43 JST, May 31, 2022

An intensive search continued for 12 people still missing after a sightseeing boat sank off the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido in April, but investigators from the 1st Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Otaru, Hokkaido, have found no new evidence this week.

The investigators examined the salvaged boat Monday on a barge berthed at Abashiri Port in Abashiri, Hokkaido.

According to the regional coast guard headquarters, 14 patrol boats, five airplanes and eight fishing vessels joined forces Monday in the search, traveling to waters near the peninsula as well as Kunashiri Island in the northern territories.

A special rescue squad of the Japan Coast Guard and the Hokkaido prefectural police also searched the water from above and land areas. The intensive search was to continue on Tuesday as well.

Fourteen people have been confirmed dead from the sinking of the tourist boat Kazu I, which carried 26 people on board.