The Japanese coast guard says a tourist boat has gone missing off the northern island of Hokkaido.

After reporting that it was taking on water at 13:15 local time, authorities lost communication with the vessel, which had 26 people on board (04:15 GMT). The Kazu 1 was apparently sinking and tilting at a 30-degree angle, according to the crew. The boat was on a three-hour sightseeing cruise around the Shiretoko Peninsula, according to reports. Five patrol boats and two planes have been despatched by the Japanese coast guard to locate the tourist yacht. According to local media, authorities have also sought support from Japan’s self-defense troops. Late Saturday, several hours after the vessel was last heard from at approximately 15:00 local time, the search was still underway on (06:00 GMT). Two children are claimed to be among the 24 guests on board, as well as two crew members. Local fishing boats had supposedly opted to return to port by mid-morning due to the heavy waves in the region. According to the crew, everyone on board was wearing a life jacket. However, once night comes, temperatures in the area can drop to as low as 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).