Search Resumes for Victims of Shiretoko Boat Tragedy 1 Year On

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:35 JST, April 22, 2023

There were no survivors among the 26 passengers and crew members.

Authorities from the 1st Regional Coast Guard Headquarters and Hokkaido prefectural police on Saturday began an intensive search for those who have not yet been found. The search will continue until Monday.

Four patrol boats scoured the waters around the peninsula while coast guard and police officers searched for the missing victims and their belongings on the eastern coastline on foot and by diving. Aerial searches were also conducted in hopes of uncovering new clues.

Drift ice covered the waters around the peninsula throughout the winter months, making this the first comprehensive search effort in the area since December.