Tragedy struck the Japanese navy as two SH-60K helicopters, each carrying four crew members, collided and crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The incident occurred during a nighttime training flight south of Tokyo, leaving one crew member dead and seven others missing.
Japan’s Defence Minister, Minoru Kihara, addressed the media, revealing that the cause of the collision remains uncertain. However, preliminary investigations suggest that the two helicopters likely collided before plunging into the water near Torishima Island. The Maritime Self-Defense Force has suspended training flights for all SH-60s while they investigate the accident and implement preventive measures.
