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
Rescuers work near people aboard a medical transport helicopter after it fell into the sea in southwestern Japan on April 6, 2025. The 7th Regional Japan Coast Guard Headquarters via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

TOKYO—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.