Japanese Government To Review Boat Safety Measures
The Japanese government is planning a review of boat safety measures after the disappearance of a sightseeing vessel which has left at least 11 people dead and many more missing.
Three people, presumed to be among those unaccounted for were found on Thursday. The operator of the tour boat has apologized for allowing it to set out.
The 19-ton "KAZU I" went missing off the coast of Hokkaido in northern Japan on Saturday. It was carrying 24 passengers and two crew members. As of Wednesday, 11 people had been confirmed dead, and 15 were still missing.
The boat set sail despite gale and high-wave advisories.
On Thursday, day 6 of the search and rescue operation, three males were found in the sea, but there are no further details on their condition. Officials are trying to establish whether the three were among the people on board.
Japan's Transport and Tourism Minister, Saito Tetsuo, says the government will soon set up a panel of experts to review the overall system for small vessel passenger services, as well as safety measures including regulations.
Earlier on Thursday, Hokkaido's governor visited Shari, the town where the boat was usually docked. He offered a prayer and said he will support the grieving families.
On Wednesday, the boat operator's president, Katsurada Seiichi, apologized at a news conference.
He said the captain of the boat told him on Saturday morning that it was possible to sail although the weather could turn harsh in the afternoon. Katsurada said he decided to allow the cruise, on the condition the boat return if the sea became rough.
He also said he learned shortly after that conversation that a radio communication antenna at his company was broken.
Coast Guard officials are stepping up their investigation into whether the boat operator had proper safety measures in place.