Japan cruise ship sinking: 11 dead, 15 still missing

A helicopter participates in the rescue of the cruise ship Kazu I in the waters off Hokkaido – Photo: KYODO

On April 25, aircraft and ships dispatched by the Coast Guard and the Self-Defense Force continued their efforts. search and rescue Fifteen people were missing and the ship crashed.

Rescue workers carry the body of a victim found in the waters off Hokkaido in the town of Shari on April 24 – Photo: KYODO

The ship crashed in rough seas on April 23 while moving out of the northern tip of Hokkaido province (Japan). An emergency distress signal was sent by the ship’s crew at around 13:13 pm on April 23 (local time). About 3 hours later, rescuers arrived at the scene by ship and plane.

Other fishing boats and cruise ships in the area also joined the morning search on April 24, but some had to return to port a few hours later due to strong winds.

The ship Kazu I left the port in the town of Shari at around 10:00 a.m. on April 23. Initial information suggested that everyone was wearing life jackets.

Now, hope of finding other missing people alive is slim because the water temperature in the area has only been around 2-4 degrees Celsius in recent days. In addition, the sea is still rough, so there are high waves and strong winds.

The ship Kazu I went missing with 26 people, including 24 adults and 2 children – Documentary photo of KYODO

Kazu I is the first cruise ship operating in the sea area of ​​Shari town, Hokkaido island. The captain of another cruise ship company said he advised Kazu I’s crew not to go to sea.