The Kazu One was cruising off the Shiretoko Peninsula, northeastern Hokkaido, on Saturday. It was carrying 26 passengers and crew members, including two children.

So far, it's been confirmed that seven men and three women have died.

Coast Guard officials say the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula has cliffs and steep slopes, where the water depth reaches more than 100 meters, even along the coastline.

The officials have yet to locate the boat, whose crew reported it was taking in water and about to sink, before losing contact.

They suspect the vessel capsized before sinking into waters.

The Coast Guard continues its search operations for the remaining passengers and crew.

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