The three-hour boat trip turns into a nightmare for 26 on-board. The Japanese boat disappeared after the crew said it was tipping at a 30-degree angle and starting to sink. Among those 26, two children were also boarded along with two crew members. All of them were wearing life jackets.
They were on the way to the Shiretoko Peninsula which is known for its unusual formation of rocks by the sea, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful lakes along with brown bears on the rocky beach, sea lions, and likely to spot whales. The area is a designated UNESCO world heritage site.
The local fishing boat had decided to return to the port by mid-morning due to an upcoming weather alert in the area where high waves have been on their way.
The tourist boat missing on the Japanese coast, the boat, Kaju 1 carrying 26 people but only seven people have been found by the search team. However, the coast guards could not confirm whether those found were alive or dead. Later that same following day the 10 dead confirmed according to the coast guard statement. The temperature in the area can be as low as 0C (32F) when night falls. A tourist boat with 26 people on board disappeared on the northern island on Saturday.
The search team continues searching with the help of a boat petrol and helicopter along with the local fishing boats from Utoro port have come joined the search.
