Search Operation Continues for Missing Crew After Japan Navy Helicopters Collision
A major search operation is ongoing off Japan for seven people missing after two navy helicopters apparently collided over the weekend. One crew member has been confirmed dead.
Search Details
The SH-60K helicopters, each with four crew members on board, were conducting submarine location drills late on Saturday off the Izu Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Ten ships and five aircraft from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, along with assistance from the Air Self-Defense Force and the coastguard, are combing the waters.
The search operation is a 24-hour effort, with continuous efforts day and night to locate the missing crew members.
Rescue Efforts
Shortly after the incident, rescuers found one person who was later confirmed dead, along with debris and flight recorders. However, there is still no trace of the seven missing crew members.
Official Statements
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed deep regret over the loss of personnel during the training exercise. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated that there is no indication of any technical issues with the helicopters based on the flight recorder data.
Navy chief of staff Ryo Sakai canceled a planned visit to China following the incident. Communication with one helicopter was lost at 10:38 pm Saturday, with an emergency signal received a minute later. Communication with the second helicopter was also lost in the same area shortly after.
In a similar incident last April, a Japanese army helicopter crashed off Miyako island with no survivors.