Two Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol helicopters, SH60K, are believed to have crashed in the waters east of the Izu Islands, with one confirmed dead and seven missing. The Defense Ministry announced the disappearance of the two helicopters in the early hours of the 21st. Defense Minister Toshimitsu Motegi confirmed the death of one person on board and suggested the possibility of a collision between the two helicopters of the same type.
The incident occurred late on the 20th in the waters east of the Izu Islands, prompting Defense Minister Motegi to hold a press conference on the morning of the 21st. He stated that one crew member who was recovered from the scene was confirmed dead. The minister also mentioned that there is a high possibility of a collision between the two helicopters.
Search and rescue efforts are underway, with the Japan Coast Guard dispatching patrol ships to the area. The situation remains tense as the fate of the seven missing crew members is unknown. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of MSDF operations and the need for thorough investigations to determine the cause of the crash.
The Defense Ministry is working closely with relevant authorities to gather more information and provide updates on the situation. The families of the missing crew members are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones as search operations continue in the area.