The Ground Self-Defense Force received information that a helicopter carrying 10 people, including a division commander of the Ground Self-Defense Force, disappeared near Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture on the 6th, and that people appeared to be floating near the coast of Irabu Island, and the Self-Defense Force is confirming it.
No people were seen near the coast of Irabu Island.
According to the Ground Self-Defense Force, when a search was conducted near the coast of Irabu Island on the morning of the 9th, where there was information that people seemed to be floating, no people were found.
The 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters and the Self-Defense Forces are continuing to confirm the situation.
"People seem to be floating" No clue to search
According to the Japan Coast Guard, just before 8 p.m. on the 7th, the Ground Self-Defense Force received information that a person appeared to be floating near the coast of Irabu Island in Okinawa Prefecture.
The location is near the coast under the cliff on the north side of the island, and a Japan Coast Guard helicopter has searched for it by illuminating it with searchlights while circling in the sky, but so far no clues have been found.
Nothing related to the aircraft was found in the waters around the site
On the 8th, the Self-Defense Forces searched the waters around the site using sonar and other equipment that can detect objects on the seabed using sound waves, but nothing related to the aircraft was found.
Another ship equipped with sonar is expected to arrive in the area on the 9th, and the Self-Defense Forces are continuing the search together with the Japan Coast Guard.