2 Japanese navy helicopters crash in the Pacific Ocean during training, leaving 1 dead and 7 missing

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Two Japanese navy helicopters carrying eight crew members have crashed in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo during nighttime training in a possible collision, leaving one dead. Rescuers on Sunday searched for seven others missing. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara says the cause of the crash was not immediately known, but officials believe the two helicopters likely collided before crashing into the water. The navy chief of staff, Adm. Ryo Sakai, said training involving the SH-60s will be suspended until the cause of the crash is determined and preventive measures are adopted. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel offered his country’s to help with the search and rescue.