Sightseeing boat feared capsized in northern Japan, search operation underway

Tokyo, Apr 23 (EFE).- Japanese maritime authorities are on Saturday searching for a sightseeing boat that is feared to have sunk with 26 people on board off the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido after issuing a mayday call.

The crew of Kazu 1 contacted coastguards at just after 1pm local time with a request for help, saying the vessel was taking on water and sinking, Japan’s public NHK channel reported.

Coastguards deployed five patrol vessels and helicopters after losing contact with the vessel.

Of the 26 people aboard the vessel, 24 were passengers and two were crew members, including the captain

Japan’s meteorological agency on Saturday issued an alert for choppy waters and high waves in the sea off Hokkaido. EFE

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