The ship carrying 26 people sank in Japan, the rescue team struggled to find the victims

A helicopter and patrol boat have been dispatched to a location near the Shiretoko peninsula, east of the Japanese island of Hokkaido, for a search and rescue operation.

The Japan Coast Guard has received notice of the incident shipwreck at about 13:15 on April 23 (local time) and said, at 17:30 on the same day, they still had not found the ship “KAZU I” nor the people on board.

At the time of the sinking, there were 26 passengers and crew on board. (Photo: Japan Coast Guard)

At about 3pm on 23/4, before losing contact, the crew member reported to the operator that the ship was tilted 30°.

High waves and strong winds took place in the area where the ship sank around midday. The fishing boats of the local fisheries cooperative had to return to port before noon because of bad weather.

According to the Japan Coast Guard, there were 22 adults, 2 children and 2 crew members on board.

Shiretoko Peninsula, east of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. (Photo: Kyodo)

The Shiretoko Peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido, the northernmost of the four main islands of Japan, is known as a popular destination for iceberg viewing and was designated a World Natural Heritage Site in 2005. It is home to many rare species of flora and fauna.

The cruise ship was cruising off the coast of Kashuni Falls, a famous scenic spot near the tip of the peninsula, when it crashed. The ship can hold up to 65 people, according to the website of the company that operates the vessel.

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