At approximately 0503 EST, reports began to emerge of a Japanese Ground Self Defense Force UH-60 Blackhawk gone missing off the coast of Miyakojima, Okinawa. Japanese media reported that the helicopter left radar scopes at approximately 1630L and that it belonged to Vice-Camp Takayubara in Kumamoto.
By 0530 EST, Japanese media began to confirm that at least 10 service members were on board, including JGSDF 8th Division Commander Yuchi Sakamoto, who was recently promoted, as on board with two pilots, two mechanics, and five other passengers, conducting aerial reconnaissance.
By 0600 EST, the Japanese Coast Guard confirmed that an oil slick, rotor parts, and bits of fuselage were found nearly 18km off the coast of Miyakojima. An inflatable life boat belonging to the JGSDF was also found, but not deployed. The Japanese Coast Guard reported that the oil slick is on the surface of 100m deep waters, allowing operations to attempt to recover the aircraft and crew members.
