A Japanese medical helicopter crashed into the sea, killing three people. The helicopter was flying over the southwestern part of the country on Sunday, April 6, 2024. It was carrying a patient to a hospital in Fukuoka.
The patient, 86-year-old Mitsuki Motoishi, died in the crash. So did two crew members: Dr. Kei Arakawa, 34, and Kazuyoshi Motoishi, 68, who was taking care of the patient.
Three others were rescued: pilot Hiroshi Hamada, 66, mechanic Kazuto Noshitake, and nurse Sakura Kunitake, 28. They were found floating in the sea, clinging to a flotation device.
The rescue team included two planes and three ships. The survivors were cold but alert. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.
The helicopter took off from Tsushima Airport in Nagasaki prefecture. It was headed to a hospital in Fukuoka when it crashed.
Source: japantoday