Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter crashes, 7 missing

International Desk  : Two helicopters of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (SDF) have crashed in the sea in Japan. As a result, one of the eight crew members on board the helicopter was killed. The remaining seven are still missing. 

Two helicopters crashed during a training exercise on Saturday. 

The two SSCH-60 patrol helicopters were conducting anti-submarine exercises near Torishima in the remote Izu Islands off the south coast of central Japan. The search for the missing crew continues, the country's state broadcasters NHK and Kyodo said.

According to their report, both flight recorders have been recovered. Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru said in a press conference on Sunday that the accident was probably caused by a collision between two helicopters. 

In a post on social media X, US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel offered US assistance in search and rescue efforts.

 

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