9 divers rescued after being swept away in northern Japan

SAPPORO – Nine divers were rescued after being swept away off Benten Island in the northern Japan city of Wakkanai, Hokkaido, on Saturday, the local coast guard said.

A diving tour provider in the city called the coast guard around 11 a.m., saying the divers did not return at the scheduled time, it said.

The local authorities conducted a search using a boat and a helicopter and pulled all nine people from the water, it said. The tour company said they are all safe.