00:00 During a night-time training flight, two Japanese Navy helicopters, each carrying four crew
00:05 members, crashed in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo, possibly colliding with each other,
00:11 according to the country's defense minister on Sunday.
00:14 Tragically, one crew member recovered from the waters, was later declared deceased, while
00:19 rescuers continued to search for the remaining seven, who were still missing.
00:23 The incident occurred late Saturday near Torishima Island, approximately 600 km south of Tokyo,
00:29 involving two SH-60K choppers from the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
00:35 Defense Minister Minoru Kihara informed reporters.
00:40 The cause of the crash remains unclear, but officials believe the two helicopters likely
00:44 collided before plunging into the ocean, Defense Minister Kihara disclosed.
00:48 As a precautionary measure, all training flights for SH-60s will be temporarily halted, he
00:53 announced.
00:54 Admiral Ryo Sakai, the Navy Chief of Staff, stated that the training will remain suspended
01:00 until an investigation determines the cause and appropriate preventive measures are implemented.
01:06 Recovery efforts yielded a flight data recorder, helicopter blades, and debris from both aircraft
01:11 in close proximity, indicating their close flight paths, Kihara detailed.
01:16 Analysis of the flight data aims to shed light on the events leading to the crash.
01:20 Emergency rescue operations intensified on Sunday with the Maritime Self-Defense Force
01:24 and Air Self-Defense Force deploying a total of 12 warships and seven aircrafts.
01:30 Japan Coast Guard assets also joined the coordinated effort.
01:33 U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel expressed solidarity and offered assistance via social
01:39 media platform X, emphasizing unwavering support for Japan during this challenging time.
01:44 Meanwhile, the involved helicopters, known as Seahawks, were conducting nighttime anti-submarine
01:49 training in the region.
01:50 The modifications in production were undertaken in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
01:56 The distress signals emitted by the helicopters indicated their close proximity before the
02:00 incident, with both aircraft originating from separate airbases.
02:04 The SH-60K, primarily employed for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and other missions,
02:10 is a critical asset in Japan's defense arsenal, with approximately 70 such helicopters in
02:15 service.
02:16 Saturday's training exercise was solely conducted by the Japanese Navy and not part
02:20 of any multinational drills, defense officials clarified.
02:24 Despite the absence of foreign aircraft or warships in the vicinity, the incident underscores
02:28 the inherent risks associated with military operations.
02:32 Japan's strategic focus on bolstering its military capabilities, particularly in the
02:37 southwestern islands, reflects the ongoing regional tensions, notably stemming from China's
02:42 assertive military maneuvers.
02:44 This incident highlights the importance of ongoing naval exercises and joint drills with
02:49 allies like the US to enhance maritime security and readiness against evolving threats.
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