A United States Navy aircraft carrying 11 crew and passengers crashed into the ocean southeast of Okinawa at approximately 2:45 p.m. today.
The cause of the crash was unknown. A recovery operation is underway. The US Navy statement said.
“The names of the crew and passengers are being withheld pending next of kin notification.
Eleven people, described as “crew and passengers”, were on board when the plane crashed into the sea.
Japan said eight of those on board had been found. They offered no further detail on their condition.
“Personnel recovery is underway and their condition will be evaluated by USS Ronald Reagan medical staff.
“The aircraft was en-route to the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which is currently operating in the Philippine Sea.
“USS Ronald Reagan is conducting search and rescue operations. The cause of the crash is not known at this time.”
