2 missing after cargo ship collides with recreational fishing boat off central Japan

TOKYO -- Two people went missing after a cargo ship collided with a recreational fishing boat off the coast of central Japan's Mie Prefecture on Friday, local media reported.

According to the Japan Coast Guard, a 499-ton cargo vessel struck a recreational fishing boat shortly before 1 pm local time in waters off Toba, Mie Prefecture, causing the smaller vessel to capsize, public brochures NHK reported.

There were 13 people aboard the fishing boat at the time of the collision. Eleven were rescued by nearby ships and other vessels in the area, while two remain unaccounted for, the report said.

Aerial footage by NHK showed the fishing boat split into two pieces and severely damaged following the collision.

The coast guard was continuing search and rescue operations and investigating the incident.