Two Japanese military helicopters crash during training

One person on board has been rescued, while search efforts continue for the remaining seven.

According to the Defense Ministry, both helicopters, each carrying four personnel, are presumed to have crashed. The condition of the rescued individual is unknown at this time.

Defense Minister Kihara Minoru stated that wreckage from the helicopters was found at sea, leading them to believe they crashed.

Ministry officials reported losing communication with one helicopter at around 10:38 PM near Torishima Island, followed by an emergency signal a minute later. Communication with the second helicopter was lost approximately 25 minutes later in the same area.

The SH-60K helicopters are typically deployed on destroyers and were conducting anti-submarine warfare training at the time of the incident.

The MSDF has confirmed no other vessels or aircraft were present in the vicinity, and foreign involvement is considered unlikely. (ILKHA)