Kumamoto helicopter LIVE: ‘Tourists’ go missing | World | News

Japan’s Ministry of Defense said: “Today (the 20th), at noon, a distress signal was received from a special small helicopter on Aso Mountain in Kumamoto Prefecture.

“As a result, at 12:29 today, the Director of the Tokyo Airport Office requested the Commander of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Western Air Defense Force (Kasuga) to be assigned to search and rescue the passengers.

“In response, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Ashiya Air Rescue Squadron and Nyutabaru Air Rescue Squadron began aerial search and rescue operations using U-125 and UH-60 aircraft. We will coordinate with relevant organizations and respond with all our efforts.”