After the vessel reported that it was taking in water at 13:15 GMT (04:15 GMT), authorities lost contact with it.

According to crew reports, the Kazu 1 was tipping at 30 degrees and beginning to sink.

It is believed that the boat was on a three-hour sightseeing trip around Shiretoko Peninsula.

Five patrol boats and two planes were dispatched by the Japanese coast guard to search the area.

Two children were among the 24 passengers, and two crew members were aboard the boat.

According to reports, Japan's coast guard is looking for a tourist vessel that has been lost off the northern island Hokkaido.

After the vessel reported that it was taking in water at 13:15 GMT (04:15 GMT), authorities lost contact with it.

According to crew reports, the Kazu 1 was tipping at 30 degrees and beginning to sink.

It is believed that the boat was on a three-hour sightseeing trip around Shiretoko Peninsula.

Five patrol boats and two planes were dispatched by the Japanese coast guard to search the area.

Two children were among the 24 passengers, and two crew members were aboard the boat.