Rescue operations are underway in Japan after an Osprey aircraft, part of a routine training mission, crashed off Yakushima island. The incident involved eight crew members from the US Air Force, prompting a search for the seven missing personnel.
Japanese coastguard authorities confirmed the discovery of one unconscious person who later succumbed to injuries, with seven individuals yet to be located following the crash on Wednesday. The Osprey, operating out of Yokota Air Base in Japan, encountered the mishap during a standard training exercise.
US Air Force Special Operations Command, handling the operation, expressed uncertainty about the cause of the incident while deploying emergency personnel to conduct search and rescue activities.
Reports suggested the aircraft had issues with a left engine, leading to flames before the crash. Images released by the coastguard depicted debris, including an overturned yellow life raft, floating off Yakushima, situated south of Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island.
Japanese coastguard teams, supported by patrol ships and aircraft, continued search efforts overnight. They've engaged sonar devices to scan the sea floor while local police and rescue teams contribute to the operation.
The Osprey, known for its versatility as both a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft, has faced several crashes over the years, resulting in fatalities. Japan's Defence Minister, Minoru Kihara, requested the suspension of Osprey flights following the incident, urging confirmation of safety before resumption except for search and rescue purposes.
The Japanese government echoed concerns over the crash's impact on local residents, expressing sorrow and anxiety about the situation. While the US military in Japan hasn't commented on the suspension request, Japan's own Osprey flights have been halted until safety confirmation.
