International Desk, 21st April: Late Saturday, tragedy struck as two helicopters from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force crashed during a drill in the Pacific, resulting in the death of one crew member, while seven others remain missing.
According to reports from Kyodo News and confirmed by Japan’s Defence Minister Minoru Kihara, the incident occurred approximately 270 kilometers east of Torishima island, part of the Izu island chain, during a night-time anti-submarine drill.
The Defence Minister addressed the media, stating that the helicopters appeared to have collided with each other, leading to the unfortunate mishap. The search for the seven missing crew members is ongoing.