Japanese Army Helicopter with 10 People Goes Missing

A helicopter of the Japanese Army with 10 crew members went missing in waters off Okinawa Prefecture on Thursday. It was a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter, reported The Japan Times quoting the Japan Coast Guard and other sources.

The UH60 multipurpose chopper disappeared from radar around 4:40 p.m. about 18 kilometers northwest of an airport in Miyako Island. The coast guard dispatched four patrol ships to nearby waters to search for the helicopter. Weather conditions were described as moderate when they arrived around 6:10 p.m.

The missing helicopter was engaged in surveillance activities. Two pilots, two mechanics and six crew members were on board and all were Self-Defense Force members, reported The Japan Times.