An aircraft carrying 11 people crashed while en route to the USS Ronald Reagen ship; search and rescue efforts have been made

The US Navy helicopters rescued eight personnel who were on board the aircraft. They have been transferred to the ship for evaluation and are in good condition.

However, there are still three people missing and are currently being searched for by the US Navy, with help from Japan.

“Search and rescue efforts for three personnel continue with U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships and aircraft on scene,” the statement said, adding that “the incident will be investigated.”

The plane was taking part in an ongoing joint US-Japan naval exercise in the waters that are surrounding Okinawa. The plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean 150 kilometers northwest of Okinotorishima.

The Navy named it the “premier training event” to take place between the two navies and it was designed to increase the defensive readiness and interooerability in air and sea operations.

The cause of the cash was not known immediately. Howver, Japanese Minister of Defence Itsunori Onodera said that engine trouble might have been a possible cause.