TOKYO (Reuters). Four of the 26 Japanese passengers onboard the boat went missing on Sunday. The coast guard in Japan said that they found them early on Sunday. It was not known if they are still alive.

The coast guard stated that three were found by an airborne police helicopter at the Shiretoko Peninsula’s tip. A coast guard plane spotted the fourth in the area 30 minutes later.

Their condition was unknown and it wasn’t known if they were still on the sea or land when they were found.

An official from the coast guard could not provide any further details.

Police used helicopters and patrol boats to locate the passengers and crew aboard the “Kazu I”, which was in trouble on the Peninsula, known for its dramatic coastline and wildlife.

Coast guard heard the boat’s crew tell them that there was water in the vessel on Saturday afternoon. The coast guard last heard about the vessel two hours later when it called its operator to report that it was keeling at an angle of 30 degrees. Kyodo News reported earlier.

According to media reports, the crew claimed that all aboard were wearing lifejackets.

Two crew members and 24 passengers were onboard. There were two children among the passengers.