Scores of dilapidated wooden boats believed to be from North Korea have washed ashore in northern Japan in a seasonal influx.
The coast guard says 95 rickety boats, sometimes carrying skeletonised bodies, have arrived so far this year, a pace that is likely to exceed last year's record 104 arrivals.
It said 12 bodies have been found on the boats.
Winds and water currents push dozens of "ghost boats" on to Japan's northern coasts annually.
Rickety North Korean fishing boats are particularly vulnerable because they lack the sturdiness and equipment to return home.
Japanese authorities have stepped up patrols to search for the boats.
Experts say the increase may be related to a North Korean campaign to boost fish harvests to increase sources of protein.
Australian Associated Press
