1 Dead, 7 Missing in Helicopter Crash in Japan

Japan faced tragedy as two of its military helicopters crashed into the sea late Saturday night, resulting in the death of one pilot and the disappearance of 7 others, announced Defense Minister Minoru Kihara.

During a press conference, Kihara stated that the two aircraft, which lost contact in the vicinity of the eastern island of Torishima in the Izu Island chain, were engaged in night anti-submarine training in the area and likely collided with each other.

Rescue services spotted potential debris believed to be from the helicopters, each carrying 4 personnel.

The Defense Ministry later confirmed the discovery of one crew member deceased, with seven others still missing.

The helicopters, both of the Mitsubishi SH-60K model, were operated by the Maritime Self-Defense Force. 

Communication was lost with one helicopter at 22:38, and nearly 25 minutes later, authorities realized contact was also lost with the second helicopter, according to the Japanese Navy.

This incident comes a year after a Japanese military helicopter of the UH-60J type crashed into the sea off the coast of Okinawa (southwest Japan), resulting in the loss of all ten occupants.