A US military aircraft carrying eight personnel has crashed off the coast of Yakushima Island in Japan.
According to the Japan Coast Guard, one passenger has been found in critical condition.
Reports suggest that the wreckage of the CV-22 Osprey has likely been located near Yakushima.
The aircraft, attempting to land at Yakushima Airport, reportedly had its left engine on fire.
It was en route from the Iwakuni base in Yamaguchi to the Kadena base in Okinawa.
The disappearance from radar occurred at 14:40 local time, with a distress call received seven minutes later indicating the crash.
Rescue efforts were promptly initiated, with six boats and two helicopters dispatched to the scene.
By 16:00, two helicopters had arrived and identified what appeared to be a part of the plane and a life raft.
Yakushima, situated south of Japan’s Kyushu island, is now a focal point for the ongoing rescue operation.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, reported the disappearance and crash to Reuters, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The Osprey, known for its dual functionality as a helicopter and turboprop aircraft, has been involved in several fatal incidents over the years.
Yakushima’s proximity to Okinawa, the intended destination, has stirred past concerns among residents about the safety of Osprey planes.
This incident follows a crash in northern Australia last August, where another Osprey went down during a military exercise, resulting in three US marines losing their lives.
The Osprey’s history includes a 2017 crash off Australia’s northern coast, where three marines perished as the aircraft attempted to land at sea after colliding with the back of a transport ship.
With over 50,000 US troops stationed in Japan, the safety of military aircraft continues to be a matter of public concern.
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