1 dead, 7 missing at sea after Japan navy helicopters crash over Pacific
- The SH-60K reconnaissance helicopters carrying a total of eight crew lost contact near Torishima island, about 600km south of Tokyo, late on Saturday
- Japan’s navy deployed eight warships and five aircraft to search for the missing crew. One crew member was recovered and later pronounced dead
Two Japanese navy helicopters carrying eight crew members crashed in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo during nighttime training in a possible collision, leaving one dead while rescuers on Sunday searched for seven others missing, the defence minister said.
The two SH-60K helicopters from the Maritime Self-Defence Force were carrying four crew each and lost contact late on Saturday near Torishima island, about 600km (370 miles) south of Tokyo, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known, but officials believe the two helicopters “highly likely” collided before crashing into the water, Kihara said.
The navy chief of staff, Admiral Ryo Sakai, said training involving the SH-60s will be suspended until the cause of the crash is determined and preventive measures are adopted.
Rescuers recovered a flight data recorder, a blade from each helicopter, and fragments believed to be from both helicopters in the same area, signs that the two SH-60Ks were flying close to each other, Kihara said.
US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel offered his country’s help with the search and rescue.
“We will stand together, side by side, with our friend and ally, Japan. My thoughts are with the crew members, and their families and friends during this challenging time,” Emanuel wrote on the social platform X.
