The number of people who died or went missing at sea in 2000 was 1,620, up from 1,601 in 1999, the fifth consecutive year of increase, according to information released by the Japan Coast Guard.
The number of accidents at sea involving leisure craft sank to its worst level in 10 years, with 1,134 cases last year, 231 more than in 1999, according to the coast guard.
A coast guard official warned the public to inspect their vessels thoroughly before leaving shore and reminded people to wear life jackets.
The official said 658 vessels experiencing trouble at sea were reported using a sea disaster hot line launched in May 2000, accounting for about 20 percent of the 2,832 troubled vessels.