Japan: Military Helicopter Crash Involving 10 People

Japan confirmed today, Thursday, that rescue operations are ongoing to locate any survivors from the crash of one of its military helicopters in the sea near Miyakojima in the southwestern part of the country, with ten individuals on board. The Chief of Staff of the Ground Self-Defense Force, General Yasunori Morishita, stated: "The UH-60 troop transport aircraft, known as Black Hawk, disappeared from radar after departing from the Ground Self-Defense Force base in Miyakojima." He added, "The aircraft was on a patrol flight over the waters surrounding Miyakojima during an aerial reconnaissance mission." The Japanese Prime Minister noted in comments broadcast by NHK: "The government’s priority now is to rescue those on board the aircraft." The Japanese Coast Guard and naval vessels, which have located the wreckage in the waters, are searching for the four crew members and six passengers.