Photo/Illutration A bus carrying bereaved family members of the passengers aboard the Kazu I tour boat arrives at a site where the boat is kept in Abashiri, Hokkaido, on June 1. (Naoko Kawamura)

ABASHIRI, Hokkaido--Bereaved families on June 1 finally saw firsthand the Kazu I tour boat that their loved ones were aboard in late April before sinking in rough seas off the Shiretoko Peninsula.

But they were not allowed to enter or touch the boat, because it remains key evidence in the investigation into the cause of the accident.

A bus carrying 27 family members of the 24 passengers arrived at around 2:30 p.m. at a site near Port Abashiri, where the salvaged Kazu I had been taken after being removed from a salvage barge that morning. 

It was the first time that the boat was presented to the family members.

At the wishes of the families, the Japan Coast Guard allowed those who wanted to see part of the vessel as a gesture of support for them.

The site where the Kazu I is being kept is completely covered with white and blue sheets so the boat cannot be seen. 

According to the Coast Guard, 27 people, or nine families, were divided into three groups and guided into the site.

Staff of the Coast Guard explained to them the structure of the boat.

Staff removed part of the sheets to show the family members only part of the boat that does not affect the investigation.

White chrysanthemums and yellow carnations were made available at the site.

The family members offered the flowers and prayers at a stand set up in front of the stern. Some of them brought flowers on their own.

Seeing inside the boat, touching the vessel and taking a picture of it were not allowed.

Some continued crying at the sight of the boat, while others gathered their composure and listened to the explanations, the Coast Guard said.

Some asked about the condition of the ship's hull and equipment aboard.

Family members also requested the accident investigation to be continued and the search continued for the 12 people who remain missing. Fourteen others aboard have been confirmed dead, and there was a captain and a crew member along with the passengers.

The Coast Guard said it will set up another showing of the boat to family members in one or two months, subject to their wishes.

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