Photo: Takei/Kyodo News via AP
Ten passengers out of 26 onboard a Japanese tour boat have been confirmed dead while 16 others are still missing after the boat apparently ran into trouble and sank in rough waters on Saturday, multiple outlets includingthe Associated Press,CNNandReutersreport.
The search efforts continued on Sunday as rescue workers were dispatched via patrol boats, aircraft and helicopters to find the remaining passengers when authorities lost contact with the Kazu 1 boat near the tip of Cape Shiretoko on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, according to CNN.
The water temperature levels there are approximately 35 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
The boat, which carried two children and two crew members among the 26 onboard, issued a distress call around 1:15 p.m. Saturday, Japan’s public broadcasterNHKreported. Waves in the area were up to 9.8 feet high.
According to Reuters, nine of the dead were still in the water or at the surrounding rocks.
Kyodo via AP
Japan’s transport minister launched a probe into the boat’s operator upon learning about the tragedy, telling reporters on Sunday, per the AP, “We will thoroughly investigate what caused this situation and what kind of safety oversight was involved to allow the tour in order to prevent another accident.”
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However, the water started to flood the boat in the afternoon before it keeled at a 30-degree angle an hour later, when its operating company last heard from the crew,Kyodo Newsreports.
The boat had a history of difficulties: It collided with an object in May, causing three passengers at the time to sustain minor injuries, according to the AP.
In June, the boat also ran aground in shallow water, though no injuries were reported; the operating company was advised to enhance its safety measures.
source: people.com
