Ten dead and 16 missing after tour boat takes on water off Japan

Nine of those found were either in the water or on nearby rocks, the coastguard said.

The area is famous for its wildlife and mountains, and boats bring tourists along the coast to spot brown bears.

The coastguard said it was not clear what had happened to the boat. No one was available for comment at the company that operated the Kazu I. High waves and strong winds had been observed around noon on Saturday, Kyodo said.

Kazu I was the first tour boat to operate in the area this season, the news agency said. In May last year it collided with a floating object, injuring three people, and in June it ran aground in shallow water shortly after leaving port, Kyodo said.