1 dead, 7 missing after 2 Japan MSDF helicopters crash near Izu Islands
One death has been confirmed after two patrol helicopters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) crashed over the sea near Izu Islands on Sunday morning, according to the country's defense ministry.
Among the eight members on board, one was reported dead after being rescued, while the remaining seven are missing, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told the press, citing a possibility that the two aircraft collided in the air on Sunday morning.
In addition, a part of the aircraft, including the blade of the rotary wing, was found around the site, so it was determined that the two aircraft crashed.
The MSDF spotted what is believed to have been helicopter debris during a post-accident search, Kihara added, noting that two flight recorders were found nearby and recovered.
The two SH60K patrol helicopters, each carrying four crew members, disappeared on Saturday night during a nighttime anti-submarine drill in the waters east of Torishima island, part of the Izu island chain, according to the defense ministry.
The two MSDF aircraft lost communication at around 10:38 p.m. and 11:04 p.m. local time, respectively.
A vessel that participated in the drill received an emergency signal one minute after the first helicopter lost communication, according to multiple local media outlets.
The SH60K patrol helicopter has a total length of about 20 meters and a width of more than 16 meters, with 2 engines and a crew of 4 people, the MSDF website showed.
Equipped with a dedicated device for detecting submarines, it is mainly mounted and operated on escort ships.
In April last year, 10 people died after a UH60JA helicopter of the Ground Self-Defense Force crashed into the sea in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture.
Related articles
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Two people were injured when gunfire broke out during a high school gradu2024-05-21America's electric vehicle push happened 'too soon and too fast,' warn ex
Ex-automotive executives have said America's electric vehicle push happened 'too soon and too fast',2024-05-21Mbappé scores twice as PSG beats Barcelona to reach Champions League semis
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Playing with an extra man for more than an hour, Paris Saint-Germain rallied2024-05-21Selma Blair looks chic in cropped knit sweater and low
Selma Blair was spotted enjoying a stroll with her service dog Scout in Los Angeles on Monday.For he2024-05-21Messi in and Dybala out in Argentina squad for pre
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Lionel Messi is in and Paulo Dybala is out of Argentina’s squad for f2024-05-21Portland makes coaching move following the Thorns' poor start
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — With no wins in their first four games this season, the Portland Thorns moved2024-05-21
atest comment