The Japanese Defence Ministry announced a tragic incident in the early morning of April 21, 2024, involving two SH-60K helicopters from the Japanese navy. The helicopters, each carrying four crew members, went missing in the Pacific Ocean during a night-time anti-submarine training drill near the Izu Islands, located 600km (372 miles) south of Tokyo.
As the search and rescue efforts unfolded, one crew member was found in the waters but was tragically confirmed to have died. Seven others remain missing.
The cause of the accident remains unknown, and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara emphasized the priority of saving lives amidst the ongoing investigation. The helicopters were engaged in drills to counter submarines at night when communication with one helicopter was lost at 22:38 local time off the island of Torishima. Shortly after, an emergency signal was received from the same aircraft. Communication with the other helicopter was lost just a minute later in the same area.
Debris, including parts of rotor blades, and two flight recorders were discovered near each other, aiding in the search efforts. The Mitsubishi SH-60K helicopters, based on the Sikorsky Seahawk, are primarily used by the navy and operate from naval destroyers.
The involvement of another country in the incident is deemed unlikely, as there were no other aircraft or vessels in the nearby waters. However, this tragedy underscores the risks involved in military training exercises and highlights the importance of safety protocols and preparedness.
This incident comes as Japan has been increasing defence spending and enhancing cooperation with the US and other Asian countries in response to rising tensions, particularly concerning Chinese assertiveness in the region. It also follows a similar accident in April 2023 when a Japanese army helicopter crashed off Miyako island, resulting in the loss of all 10 people on board, including a senior Ground Self Defence Force commander.
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