Japan speeds up return of bodies found in Russia

Tokyo, Aug 29 (Prensa Latina) Japan speeds up the return of three nationals, supposed shipwrecked persons of the "Kazu I," whose bodies remain in Russian territory, the government reported on Monday.

August 29, 2022
08:19

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told at a press briefing that a Coast Guard patrol will travel to the southern region of Sakhalin Island, in the Russian Far East, to pick up the three bodies, as agreed with Moscow.

“We are working hard with the Russian side on the timing and method of delivery of the bodies. We are not in a position to give a specific date for the handover, but we will do our best to make it quick,” Matsuno, who is also an official spokesman, stressed.

The tour boat “Kazu I” sank on April 23 while sailing around northern Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, carrying 26 passengers.

To date, Japanese authorities have recovered 14 bodies. Twelve other people remain missing, three of whom are awaiting Russian custody, according to DNA tests that match samples collected by Russia and those provided by Japan.

When the process to return the bodies is completed, Japanese experts will reconfirm their identities.

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