The Kazu I sightseeing boat, which sank off the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido in April with 26 people aboard, likely flooded because the bow hatch was not closed, The Yomiuri Shimbun learned Friday.
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB), which reportedly is leaning toward this explanation, is planning to announce the details of its investigation as early as next week, according to sources.
The hatch cover was found on the seabed near the sunken boat, and it is possible it became detached while sailing, the sources said.
