Search and rescue efforts continue for the crew of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter that went missing off the coast of an island in southern Japan. The coast guard has found what may be parts of the craft in nearby waters.

The GSDF says a UH-60 multipurpose helicopter left a base on the island of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture on Thursday afternoon to inspect local terrain.

The GSDF says the chopper's crew was checking their surroundings visually. It says the craft disappeared from radar about 10 minutes after takeoff while flying over waters north of the island.

The GSDF says the helicopter was carrying 10 personnel, including the head of the 8th Division. It says the incident is believed to be an accident, and it has set up an accident investigation committee.

The Japan Coast Guard says it has found several pieces of debris that may be helicopter parts in waters north of Irabujima, an island just northwest of Miyakojima.

The coast guard says the items include a folded lifeboat marked with Ground Self-Defense Force lettering, a window frame, and what appears to be a rotor. It adds that some of the items have been retrieved.

The GSDF is trying to confirm whether the objects are from the missing helicopter.