The 10 people found from a Japanese tourist boat missing off the country's northern coast were confirmed dead, local broadcaster NHK reported Sunday afternoon, citing coast guard officials.

The Kazu I, which was carrying 24 passengers and two crew members, reported to the Japanese Coast Guard on Saturday afternoon that it was taking on water near the northern island of Hokkaido. Contact was then lost. 

Kyodo News, citing the local fisheries cooperative, said that high waves and strong winds were observed around that time in the area. 

The search effort for the vessel continues.