Human Interest 10 Confirmed Dead, 16 More Missing After Japanese Tour Boat Sank in Frigid Waters The boat, which carried two children and two crew members among the 26 onboard, issued a distress call at around 1:15 p.m. Saturday By Shafiq Najib Published on April 24, 2022 08:25 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Takei/Kyodo News via AP Ten passengers out of 26 onboard a Japanese tour boat have been confirmed dead while 16 others are still missing after the boat apparently ran into trouble and sank in rough waters on Saturday, multiple outlets including the Associated Press, CNN and Reuters report. The search efforts continued on Sunday as rescue workers were dispatched via patrol boats, aircraft and helicopters to find the remaining passengers when authorities lost contact with the Kazu 1 boat near the tip of Cape Shiretoko on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, according to CNN. The water temperature levels there are approximately 35 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit. The boat, which carried two children and two crew members among the 26 onboard, issued a distress call around 1:15 p.m. Saturday, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported. Waves in the area were up to 9.8 feet high. According to Reuters, nine of the dead were still in the water or at the surrounding rocks. Texas National Guard Soldier Missing and Feared Drowned amid Rescue of Migrant from River Kyodo via AP Japan's transport minister launched a probe into the boat's operator upon learning about the tragedy, telling reporters on Sunday, per the AP, "We will thoroughly investigate what caused this situation and what kind of safety oversight was involved to allow the tour in order to prevent another accident." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The sightseeing vessel was scheduled to return to the Utoro port by 1 p.m. after departing around 10 a.m. to take the passengers for a scenic tour in an area that is famous for its wildlife and dramatic mountains. However, the water started to flood the boat in the afternoon before it keeled at a 30-degree angle an hour later, when its operating company last heard from the crew, Kyodo News reports. RELATED: Suspect Formally Named in the Disappearance of Madeleine McCann Nearly 15 Years Later The boat had a history of difficulties: It collided with an object in May, causing three passengers at the time to sustain minor injuries, according to the AP. In June, the boat also ran aground in shallow water, though no injuries were reported; the operating company was advised to enhance its safety measures.