Helicopter debris found as Japan hunts for missing troops in Okinawa
- The UH-60JA, carrying 10 people, disappeared from radar while on a reconnaissance mission in southern Okinawa’s Miyako island
- Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada pledged to continue the search after rescuers found a snapped blade and other pieces of debris believed to be from the helicopter
Two pilots, two mechanics and six crew members were on board the UH-60JA when it went missing soon before 4pm (local time) on Thursday as it flew above waters off Miyako island in southern Okinawa.
Coastguard rescuers have discovered several pieces of debris that appear to be from the helicopter, including a door, a snapped blade and a yellow life raft that was still packed inside a bag.
Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada appeared to hold back tears as he promised on Friday to continue the search.
“We conducted search and rescue operations in the area throughout the night, but we have yet to find General [Yuichi] Sakamoto of the Ground Self-Defence Force 8th division as well as the nine other individuals,” he said, his voice quavering.
“We will make every effort to find the 10 people who are missing,” he said.
There was no indication yet of what caused the apparent accident, which occurred as the aircraft was on a reconnaissance mission in the area.