A medical transport helicopter crashed into the sea off the southern coast of Japan, killing three people, the Japan Coast Guard said. The fatalities included a doctor, a patient, and the patient's caregiver.
The survivors included pilot Hiroshi Hamada, 66, and two crew members Kazuto Yoshitake, a mechanic, and Sakura Kunitake, a 28-year-old nurse. All three survivors were rescued by the coast guard after being found in the sea clinging to inflatable lifesavers. Although there was hypothermia, they were all awake and able to make statements.
According to authorities, the helicopter was en route to Fukuoka from Nagasaki Prefecture when the accident occurred. The coast guard was immediately on the scene, sending two planes and three ships to carry out a rescue operation.
The bodies of the victims were recovered by a Japan Air Self-Defense Force helicopter. Authorities are still determining the cause of the accident, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
At this time, the cause of the helicopter crash is not yet certain, but the coast guard is continuing its investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
