By: Oliver Kremer
At least eleven people have been confirmed dead on the Japanese tour boat Kazu 1, reported missing on April 23, 2022.
The ship had most likely sank somewhere around the Shiretoko Peninsula, which was where the 3-hour sightseeing tour took place. Out of the 26 onboard the ship, including 2 crew members and two children, 11 people have been confirmed dead, including a three-year-old girl. 7 men and 3 women were found dead, either floating in the water or washed ashore. Search for the ship and remaining people began a few hours after the crew members on Kazu 1 reported that their ship's stern had started filling with water, and the ship was starting to turn at a 30-degree angle. The search is still on as people are eager to find the missing ship.
A local fisherman told Reuters, “Just a few minutes in that sort of water would start clouding your consciousness,” showing us just how cold it was. It was reported that there was still drift ice in the water, and the water was at about freezing temperatures (36 degrees Fahrenheit). Seeing as the Kazu 1 was the first tour boat to leave port for the season, no one really knew the conditions. The chances of any survivors being out there are low due to the frigid temperatures and harsh conditions, but the search continues on.