Three - Day Intensive Search Begins For Hokkaido Tour Boat Accident
A three-day intensive search is underway for 12 people who remain missing following the sinking of a tour boat off the coast of Hokkaido, northern Japan, more than a month ago.
The operation began on Sunday, with vessels and aircraft from the Coast Guard and the Self-Defense Forces deployed.
The "KAZU I" carrying 26 people sank off the Shiretoko Peninsula on April 23.
Fourteen passengers have been confirmed dead. No missing persons have been discovered since April 28.
This operation is covering wider areas from the Shiretoko Peninsula to Kunashiri Island. That is one of the four Russian-controlled islands which Japan claims as an inherent part of its territory.
The Coast Guard is deploying six patrol ships near Kunashiri, which is double the highest number of vessels it has mobilized since the accident.
Police are combing the coastline of the peninsula, and local tour boat and fishing vessels are due to join the search if weather permits.
The "KAZU I" has been salvaged to help determine the cause of the accident.
The Coast Guard is questioning the president of the boat's operator on a voluntary basis.