A night-time training exercise turned into a nightmare as two Japanese navy SH-60 patrol helicopters, carrying a total of eight crew members, crashed into the Pacific Ocean, with one crew member confirmed dead and seven still missing. The incident occurred during antisubmarine exercises near Torishima, part of the remote Izu island group off central Japan’s southern coast.

Defence Minister Minoru Kihara expressed the gravity of the situation, stating that rescuers had located parts of the aircraft in the sea, indicating a collision between the two helicopters. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but efforts to save lives are the immediate priority.

Rescue operations were swift, with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels deployed to search for survivors and wreckage. The discovery of flight recorders near each other suggests a high possibility of a mid-air collision. The analysis of these recorders will provide crucial insights into the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.

Communication with one helicopter was lost at 10:38 pm local time, followed by an emergency signal a minute later. Subsequently, the second helicopter also lost communication in the same area around 11:04 pm. The swift response and coordination among rescue teams reflect the urgency of the situation.

The Mitsubishi SH-60K helicopters, primarily deployed from naval destroyers, are integral to Japan’s maritime defense capabilities. The absence of other aircraft or vessels nearby suggests that the incident is unlikely to involve external factors.

In the wake of the crash, the United States, a close ally of Japan, offered assistance in the search and rescue efforts. US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel expressed solidarity, affirming mutual support during this challenging time.

The tragic accident echoes a similar incident a year ago when a Ground Self-Defense Force UH-60 Blackhawk crashed off Miyako Island, resulting in the loss of all 10 crew members. As Japan mourns the loss and awaits updates on the missing personnel, the incident underscores the inherent risks faced by military personnel during training exercises and underscores the importance of safety protocols and swift response measures.