Two Japanese Navy Helicopters Crash During Training Exercise, One Crew Member Dead, Seven Missing
Two Japanese navy helicopters crashed in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo during a nighttime training exercise. The tragic incident resulted in the confirmed death of one crew member, while seven others remain missing.
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated that it is believed the helicopters collided before crashing into the water. Rescuers have recovered the flight data recorder, helicopter blades, and fragments of the aircraft as part of ongoing search and rescue efforts.
The U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, has offered assistance with the search and rescue operation, which includes the deployment of warships and aircraft in the area.
The helicopters involved in the crash were modified Seahawks, developed by Sikorsky and produced in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The training exercise was specifically for anti-submarine warfare and only involved Japanese navy personnel.
This incident comes amidst Japan’s increased efforts to enhance military readiness in response to rising threats from China. Previous incidents involving Japanese navy helicopters include a fatal crash in 2017 and a minor collision in 2021.
After the 2021 collision, preventive measures were introduced to ensure safe training operations. The cause of the latest crash is still under investigation, with no weather advisories issued at the time of the tragic incident.
As the search and rescue mission continues, the Japanese navy and international partners are working diligently to locate the missing crew members and determine the cause of the crash.
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