米国務長官ブリンケン、中国訪問へ　台湾問題とロシア軍事支援で中国に牽制：朝日新聞デジタル

In a tragic incident, two patrol helicopters belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) have gone missing in the waters east of the Izu Islands. The Defense Ministry announced in the early hours of the 21st that the SH60K patrol helicopters had lost contact in the area. Each helicopter was carrying four crew members, totaling eight personnel. One crew member has been rescued, but seven others remain missing.

According to the Defense Ministry, the incident took place in the waters east of the Izu Islands, near Torishima Island. Search and rescue operations are currently underway to locate the missing crew members.

The MSDF has deployed multiple vessels and aircraft to assist in the search efforts. The cause of the disappearance is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The missing crew members’ families and colleagues are anxiously awaiting any updates on the situation. The Defense Ministry has assured that all efforts are being made to locate and rescue the missing personnel.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety of MSDF operations and the risks involved in maritime patrol missions. The Defense Ministry has promised a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.