Japan SDF chopper with 10 aboard goes missing near Okinawa
KYODO NEWS
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter with 10 people aboard went missing in waters off the southern prefecture of Okinawa on Thursday, according to the Japan Coast Guard and other sources.
The UH-60 multipurpose chopper disappeared from radar around 4:40 p.m. about 18 kilometers northwest of an airport in Okinawa Prefecture's Miyako Island, the coast guard said.
File photo shows a UH-60 helicopter. (Photo courtesy of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force)(Kyodo)
The coast guard dispatched four patrol ships to nearby waters to search for the helicopter. Weather conditions were described as moderate when they arrived around 6:10 p.m.
The helicopter is based at the GSDF Takayubaru camp in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto, and was engaging in surveillance activities, according to a Defense Ministry source.
Two pilots, two mechanics and six crew were on board and all were Self-Defense Force members, the GSDF said.
KYODO NEWS
A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter with 10 people aboard went missing in waters off the southern prefecture of Okinawa on Thursday, according to the Japan Coast Guard and other sources.
The UH-60 multipurpose chopper disappeared from radar around 4:40 p.m. about 18 kilometers northwest of an airport in Okinawa Prefecture's Miyako Island, the coast guard said.
File photo shows a UH-60 helicopter. (Photo courtesy of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force)(Kyodo)
The coast guard dispatched four patrol ships to nearby waters to search for the helicopter. Weather conditions were described as moderate when they arrived around 6:10 p.m.
The helicopter is based at the GSDF Takayubaru camp in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto, and was engaging in surveillance activities, according to a Defense Ministry source.
Two pilots, two mechanics and six crew were on board and all were Self-Defense Force members, the GSDF said.
Similar Readings (5 items)
Self-Defense Force helicopter disappeared from radar in southwest Japan
Apparent helicopter parts found in search for missing Japan GSDF chopper
Search underway for Self-Defense Force helicopter crew missing in southern Japan
Self-Defense Force helicopter missing in southwestern Japan
Submarine rescue ship joining search for missing helicopter
Summary
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter (UH-60) with 10 personnel vanished near Okinawa's Miyako Island on Thursday, as reported by Kyodo News. The chopper disappeared from radar around 4:40 PM, approximately 18 km northwest of the island. The Japan Coast Guard dispatched patrol ships for