A US military Osprey aircraft crashed into the waters near Yakushima, an island about 45 miles south of the Kagoshima region on the southern main island of Kyushu, Japan.
The tragedy claimed the life of at least one person, with several more reported missing. The regional coast guard spokesperson confirmed the crash to NBC News, revealing that the aircraft, assigned to the 353rd Special Operations
Tragedy Strikes as Military Aircraft Crashes
Wing and based at Yokota Air Base, was involved in a mishap during a routine training mission off the shore of Yakushima Island.
Initially reporting eight individuals on board, the figure was later revised downward before being reaffirmed by the Air Force Special Operations Command in a statement issued later on the same day.
The coast guard’s swift response was triggered by a distress call from a member of the public to Japan’s emergency services at 2:47 p.m. local time.
Patrol vessels and aircraft were immediately dispatched to the scene, with a rescue team discovering wreckage-like debris and an overturned life raft around 4 p.m. local time.
Tragically, the only crew member recovered from the sea, located 1.8 miles from Anbo Port, was declared dead despite CPR efforts.
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US Military Osprey Crash Near Japanese Island Claims Unknown Toll
Japan’s Vice Defense Minister, Hiroyuki Miyazawa, expressed the nation’s concern, stating that relevant departments were instructed to cooperate with the Japan Coast Guard to confirm any victims and undertake rescue efforts.
Notably, Miyazawa clarified the terminology used, stating that the incident was being referred to as an “emergency water landing” based on information from the U.S. side, highlighting the pilot’s efforts until the very end.
The CV-22B Osprey, renowned for its unique tilt-rotor flight system allowing it to take off and land like a helicopter while flying like an airplane, has faced scrutiny due to previous fatal accidents.
In August, an Osprey with 23 US Marines on board crashed in Australia during a routine training exercise, resulting in three fatalities. Another incident in August 2022 claimed the lives of all five US Marines on board an MV-22 during a training mission in San Diego.
Despite these incidents, the Defense Department has maintained the Osprey’s use, emphasizing its role in conducting long-range infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions for special operations forces.
As the investigation unfolds, the global community watches with concern, hoping for the safe recovery of any missing individuals and seeking answers to prevent future tragedies involving this unique aircraft.
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