Tragic collision at sea. One dead, seven missing as Japanese helicopters crash

Two Japanese navy helicopters crashed in the Pacific south of Tokyo. The American press agency AP reported that at least one person was killed, and seven are considered missing.

The tragedy occurred during a night-time training flight. According to information provided by the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the likely cause of the crash was the collision of both machines. At present, the death of one crew member - his body was found and retrieved from the water. Rescuers are still searching for seven other people.

The head of Japan's defence ministry, Minoru Kihara, provided additional details about the crew of both machines. He explained that the two H-60K Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopters had four crew members on board. Contact was lost with them on Saturday late in the evening, GMT.

Although the exact cause of the crash is unknown, Kihara suggests that both helicopters might have collided before falling into the water. Rescuers searching the accident site found the flight data recorder and metal fragments, which likely came from the crashed machines.

The Japanese military authorities took immediate action and sent eight warships and five planes to the crash site, who are conducting intense searches.