Japanese Cruise Boat Company Head Arrested for Fatal 2022 Sinking

Japanese authorities arrested the head of a tour boat company following the tragic loss of the Kazu I, an excursion vessel that disappeared off the coast of Hokkaido in 2022. The boat was on a cruise excursion near the Shiretoko Peninsula when it encountered rough surface conditions, with forecasted wave heights of about 10 feet. Despite the challenging conditions, the vessel issued a distress call reporting flooding and ordered passengers to don life vests.

The Japan Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation but tragically found no survivors. Investigations revealed that the Kazu I was operating beyond its wind speed limits and had inoperable satellite phone and radio equipment. The vessel also failed to comply with safety protocols, such as dispatching tour boats in pairs. The operator’s decision to send out the boat on the fateful voyage was heavily criticized, leading to a criminal investigation.

Subsequent inquiries determined that the vessel likely flooded through an open hatch towards the bow. The President of Shiretoko Pleasure Cruise was arrested on charges of professional negligence resulting in death. The arrest was made to prevent the destruction of evidence. The coast guard emphasized the suspect’s failure to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, ultimately leading to the tragic accident.

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