shot-button
Mother`s Day Mother`s Day
Home > News > World News > Article > Medical helicopter crashes into sea off Japan killing 3 while 3 are rescued

Medical helicopter crashes into sea off Japan, killing 3 while 3 are rescued

Updated on: 07 April,2025 08:21 AM IST  |  Tokyo
AP |

The pilot, Hiroshi Hamada, 66; Kazuto Yoshitake, a helicopter mechanic and a 28-year-old nurse, Sakura Kunitake, were rescued by the coast guard after they were found in the waters clinging to inflatable lifesavers

Medical helicopter crashes into sea off Japan, killing 3 while 3 are rescued

Representation pic

Listen to this article
Medical helicopter crashes into sea off Japan, killing 3 while 3 are rescued
x
00:00

A medical transport helicopter fell into the sea in southwestern Japan, killing the patient and two other people, the Japan coast guard said.

The pilot, Hiroshi Hamada, 66; Kazuto Yoshitake, a helicopter mechanic and a 28-year-old nurse, Sakura Kunitake, were rescued by the coast guard after they were found in the waters clinging to inflatable lifesavers. 


The three suffered hypothermia but were conscious, an official with the coast guard told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Yoshitake's first name was initially given with a different spelling, but the coast guard corrected it later.


The bodies of medical doctor, Kei Arakawa, 34; Mitsuki Motoishi, 86, the patient, and her caretaker Kazuyoshi Motoishi, 68, were later recovered by a Japan Air Self-Defense Force helicopter. The coast guard deployed two planes and three ships to the area as part of the rescue operation.

The helicopter was heading to a hospital in Fukuoka from an airport in Nagasaki prefecture when it crashed, according to the coast guard. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, the coast guard said Monday.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK