Search and rescue crews may have found one of 10 people who were on board a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter that went missing in southwestern Japan during a reconnaissance flight last week.

SDF vessels equipped with sonar have been searching the area where the chopper disappeared on April 6.

Defense Ministry sources say they have been informed that an underwater camera has also found what appears to be part of the helicopter in the water.

The SDF are preparing to send divers to the spot to confirm the details.

The helicopter took off from Miyakojima Island and disappeared from the radar about 10 minutes later while flying over the sea.

All 10 SDF members on board went missing, including a GSDF division chief.