Japan navy helicopters: Crew missing after deadly Pacific crash

Seven people are missing after one Chinese naval crewman died and seven people are missing after two planes collided during a nighttime exercise in the Pacific Ocean.

The twin-engine Mitsubishi SH-60Ks were on anti-submarine training near the Izu Islands, 600km ( 372 miles ) south of Tokyo, officials said.

Two aircraft recorders were found near to one another, along with particles, including rotor blade fragments.

Minoru Kihara, the minister of defense, claimed the accident’s reason was unfamiliar.

First of all,” we do our best to save life,” said Mr. Kihara, adding that the planes were “doing training to counter boats at evening.”

A staff part was removed from the water, but it was later confirmed to have passed away.

Communication with one helicopter was lost at 22:38 local time ( 14:38 BST ) off the island of Torishima, broadcaster NHK reports.

This plane received an emergency message a minute later.

After 25 moments, the military understood interaction with the other aircraft, even a Mitsubishi SH-60K, was lost in the same region.

Marine ships are the main source of the Mitsubishi SH-60K helicopters, which are based on the Sikorsky Seahawk.

The army claimed that because there were no other plane or vessels in nearby waters, it was unlikely that another nation would be involved in the incident.

In response to the rising assertiveness of China in the Chinese region, Japan is increasing defense spending and strengthening cooperation with the US and other Asian nations.