A search is underway for a missing Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter off the southern prefecture of Okinawa. The chopper was carrying 10 people, including the head of the GSDF's 8th Division.
Self-Defense Force and Coast Guard personnel are using sonar in their continued search near Miyako Island where the helicopter dropped off the radar on Thursday.
They have so far discovered a life raft that belonged to the helicopter, along with a door and a rotor blade. But the fuselage remains missing.
The SDF has dispatched a minesweeper vessel to the scene to search the seabed using sonar.
It has been confirmed that the helicopter was communicating with air traffic controllers on the nearby island of Shimoji two minutes before it disappeared.
Officials with the Defense and transportation ministries say the helicopter crew reported no abnormalities at that time.
The GSDF suspects that a problem arose after the helicopter's last communication with the air traffic controllers, and is continuing its investigation.
Self-Defense Force and Coast Guard personnel are using sonar in their continued search near Miyako Island where the helicopter dropped off the radar on Thursday.
They have so far discovered a life raft that belonged to the helicopter, along with a door and a rotor blade. But the fuselage remains missing.
The SDF has dispatched a minesweeper vessel to the scene to search the seabed using sonar.
It has been confirmed that the helicopter was communicating with air traffic controllers on the nearby island of Shimoji two minutes before it disappeared.
Officials with the Defense and transportation ministries say the helicopter crew reported no abnormalities at that time.
The GSDF suspects that a problem arose after the helicopter's last communication with the air traffic controllers, and is continuing its investigation.
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Summary
Missing Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter off Okinawa's Miyako Island with 10 people onboard, including the head of the 8th Division. Search parties are using sonar to locate the missing chopper, having found a life raft, door, and rotor blade but not the fuselage. A minesweeper vessel
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ID: 08fb9f12-7e08-4a4f-b49a-26ca03d81419
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230408_10/
Date: April 8, 2023
Created: 2023/04/08 14:43
Updated: 2025/12/09 05:14
Last Read: 2023/04/08 14:44