Three dead as medical Helicopter crashes into sea in Japan

In a shocking incident, a medical helicopter is said to have crashed into the sea off southwestern Japan, killing at least three people and injuring three others.

The Japan Coast Guard confirmed that the crash occurred on Monday April 7, 2025, during a flight from Nagasaki to a hospital in Fukuoka.

The helicopter had been flying from an airport in Nagasaki Prefecture to a hospital in Fukuoka when it suddenly disappeared.

The Japan Coast Guard confirmed that the aircraft lost contact shortly before the crash occurred.

Six people were on board — including a pilot, nurse, mechanic, medical doctor, patient, and her caretaker.

The pilot, Hiroshi Hamada, 66; nurse, Sakura Kunitake, 28; and mechanic, Kazuto Yoshitake, were rescued alive.

They were found floating in the sea, clinging to inflatable life vests, officials said.

They were rescued by the coast guard and treated for hypothermia, though all remained conscious.

Authorities later recovered the bodies of Dr. Kei Arakawa, 34; patient, Mitsuki Motoishi, 86; and her caretaker, Kazuyoshi Motoishi, 68.

The deceased were flown back to shore by a Japan Air Self-Defense Force helicopter.

Two aircraft and three coast guard ships were deployed to aid in the search and rescue mission.

A coast guard official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the recovery operation lasted several hours.

Officials initially misspelled Yoshitake’s name but corrected it in a later statement.

The cause of the crash remains unclear, but investigations have already been launched.

Experts will examine communication logs, black box data, and aircraft debris to determine what went wrong.

The helicopter was used for emergency medical transport and was operated under strict flight protocols.

Eyewitnesses near the coast reported seeing the helicopter flying unusually low before it went missing.

The Japan aviation authority has promised a full and transparent inquiry into the incident.

Japanese citizens have also  expressed shock over the incident, especially as it involved vulnerable patients.

Authorities have pledged support for the victims’ families and vowed to improve flight safety.

This tragic incident has sparked concerns about medical air transport safety in Japan.

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