US Military Osprey Crashes Off Southern Japan Coast – Three Rescued, Search Ongoing
Osprey Down Near Yakushima Island
A US military CV-22 Osprey aircraft plunged into the sea off southern Japan, sparking a frantic rescue operation. The aircraft, carrying eight crew members, was found wrecked near Yakushima Island, with a lifeboat deployed, Japan’s coastguard confirmed.
Emergency Call from Fishing Boat
At 2:47pm local time, the coastguard received an urgent distress signal from a nearby fishing vessel spotting the crash site. The Osprey vanished from radar just minutes earlier at 2:40pm. Eyewitnesses saw flames engulfing the left engine as the aircraft spiralled down toward the sea near Yakushima airport.
“We received information at 2:47pm today,” said a coastguard spokesperson. “Eight crew members were on board.”
Local fishermen swiftly rushed to the scene and managed to rescue three crew members from the water.
Osprey’s Troubled Track Record
The ill-fated aircraft belongs to the US Yokota Airbase in Tokyo and was travelling from Iwakuni base to Kadena base in Okinawa when disaster struck. Known for its unique tiltrotor design that allows vertical takeoffs and airplane-speed cruising, the Osprey has a notorious crash history.
- August last year: Osprey crash in Australia kills three, injures 20.
- June last year: California desert crash claims five Marines.
- March 2022: NATO exercise crash in Norway kills four Marines.
- 2017: Three Marines lost off Australia’s north coast.
Due to these ongoing tragedies, the US Army has stepped up pilot training and safety protocols earlier this year. Despite efforts, the latest crash raises fresh concerns over the Osprey’s safety record amid critical military missions.
Rescue Efforts Continue
US forces in the region are gathering more information as search teams continue combing the waters around Yakushima. The fate of the five missing crew members remains uncertain as rescue operations press on.
