Japanese Military Confirms Seven Missing in Helicopter Crash
Addressing a press conference, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara informed reporters that rescuers had identified potential aircraft parts in the sea following the crash of two SH-60K helicopters belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF).
Details of the Incident
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the disappearance of seven individuals who were on board the two military helicopters. Each helicopter was carrying four people at the time of the crash.
Defence Minister Kihara mentioned that the cause of the crash remains unknown, stating that the helicopters were engaged in anti-submarine drills during nighttime operations.
One person out of the eight on board has been successfully rescued, according to a military spokesperson.
Search and Rescue Efforts
A search operation is currently underway to locate the missing individuals. Communication with one of the helicopters was lost near Torishima Island at approximately 10:38 pm local time. Shortly after, an emergency signal was received from the same helicopter.
Officials reported that communication with the second aircraft was also lost in the same vicinity 25 minutes later. The MSDF confirmed that no other aircraft or vessels were present in the nearby waters, making the involvement of another country unlikely.