Overview
- The Hakodate Coast Guard reported finding the body of 48-year-old Koichi Sawatani on a rocky reef about 150 meters north of Utomari fishing port on Jan. 31.
- Two relatives, ages 85 and 82, remain missing as coast guard crews and local fishermen continue coastal and offshore searches.
- Another crew member, 48-year-old Daishi Sawatani, was found on Jan. 30 near wave-dissipating blocks and was later confirmed dead.
- The 4.9-ton Dai-28 Yaemaru was located at roughly 6 meters depth with its hull up and debris nearby, guiding the search area.
- The family-run vessel departed around 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 29 to fish for flounder, and contact was reportedly lost during heavy snowfall before a 118 distress call that afternoon.