A US military Osprey aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan’s Yakushima Island in southern Kagoshima prefecture on Wednesday, carrying eight individuals, as reported by a spokesperson from the Japan Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard was informed of the incident at approximately 2:47 p.m. local time (12:47 a.m. ET). The 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters has dispatched a patrol boat and aircraft to the crash site.
As of now, only one person has been located, discovered by a local fishing vessel assisting in the search. The spokesperson provided no details on the individual’s condition or whether there were injuries among the occupants.
Yakushima Airport Management Office in Kagoshima Prefecture received an emergency landing request from the US military on Wednesday afternoon, without specifying whether it originated from the US Marines or Air Force.
This incident marks the latest Osprey military aircraft crash, with previous accidents reported over the years, including a fatal crash in Australia in August, claiming three lives, and a 2022 crash in California resulting in five deaths during a training mission.
The Osprey, known for its vertical takeoff capabilities like a helicopter and high-speed cruising resembling a conventional turboprop plane, is generally considered safe to fly. However, it has faced a history of mechanical and operational issues since its introduction in the 1980s, according to CNN military analyst and retired US Air Force Col. Cedric Leighton.
