Tragedy struck the Japanese navy as two SH-60K helicopters, each carrying four crew members, collided and crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The incident occurred during a nighttime training flight south of Tokyo, leaving one crew member dead and seven others missing.
Japan’s Defence Minister, Minoru Kihara, addressed the media, revealing that the cause of the collision remains uncertain. However, preliminary investigations suggest that the two helicopters likely collided before plunging into the water near Torishima Island. The Maritime Self-Defense Force has suspended training flights for all SH-60s while they investigate the accident and implement preventive measures.
Admiral Ryo Sakai, the navy’s chief of staff, emphasized the gravity of the situation. Flight data recorders and helicopter fragments recovered from the crash site indicate that the two SH-60Ks were flying nearby. The investigation aims to uncover the sequence of events that led to this tragic incident.
Search and rescue operations have intensified, with the MSDF and Air Self-Defense Force deploying 12 warships and seven aircraft. The Japan Coast Guard has also joined the effort to locate the missing crew members.
