7 people from missing tourist boat found off Japan's Hokkaido: report

Seven people believed to have been among the 26 passengers and crew aboard a tourist boat that went missing on Saturday have been found, Kyodo News agency reported on Sunday, citing the Japanese coast guard.

Four of the seven were reported as being unconscious. The status of the remaining three was unclear.

The Kazu I, which was carrying 24 passengers and two crew members, reported to the coast guard on Saturday afternoon that it was taking on water near the northern island of Hokkaido. Contact was then lost.

Kyodo News, citing the local fisheries cooperative, reported that high waves and strong winds were observed around that time in the area.

The search effort for the vessel continues.

(CGTN)