Two helicopters from the Japanese navy crashed during a training exercise, resulting in the loss of one crew member and leaving seven others missing. The tragedy struck in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo, near Torishima Island.
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara confirmed the dreadful event, emphasizing the ministry’s dedication to rescue operations amidst the Crash Helicopters crisis. The helicopters involved were SH-60Ks from the Maritime Self-Defense Force, initiating search and rescue operations immediately after losing contact late Sunday.
Despite deploying 12 warships, seven aircraft, and support from the Japan Coast Guard, the whereabouts of the missing crew remain unknown. Preliminary investigations suggest communication between the two helicopters before the collision.
Recovery efforts have retrieved crucial evidence, including a flight data recorder and fragments from both aircraft, supporting the collision theory. This tragedy parallels past mishaps, such as the 2017 disaster involving a Japanese Navy SH-60J, underlining the risks inherent in military training.
In response, the Defense Ministry has halted all SH-60 training flights indefinitely. Adm. Ryo Sakai stressed the urgency of determining the crash’s cause and implementing preventive measures.
