US Osprey crash off Japanese island
A US military Osprey aircraft with eight crew members on board crashed off Yakushima Island, Japan. The coastguard, responding swiftly to the emergency, found one unconscious person in the sea near the crash site and transported them to a nearby port, where resuscitation efforts are underway.
The coastguard received the distress call at 2:47 pm (0547 GMT), reporting the crash of the Osprey, a tilt-rotor military aircraft known for its versatility in operating as both a helicopter and a fixed-wing plane. The aircraft was en route from the Iwakuni US base near Hiroshima to the Kadena base in Okinawa.
While the fate of the crew remains uncertain, reports indicate that the Osprey was seen emitting fire from a left engine before attempting to land near Yakushima Airport. Wreckage has been spotted near the crash site, intensifying the search and rescue efforts.
The troubled history of Osprey aircraft includes several fatal incidents, with the latest crash in northern Australia claiming three lives in August. The US military is no stranger to aircraft accidents, with recent incidents involving helicopters and warplanes, raising concerns about safety and prompting thorough investigations.
The Japanese government is actively engaged in assessing the extent of the damage and prioritizing efforts to save human lives. The US embassy in Japan has yet to provide official comments on the incident. As details emerge, the international community watches closely, hoping for the best outcome amidst this distressing event.
