Japanese navy flight crashes into the Pacific

Two Japanese navy helicopters carrying eight crew members crashed in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo during a night-time training flight after possibly colliding with each other, the country’s defence minister said yesterday.

One crew member who was recovered from the water was later pronounced dead, while rescuers were searching for seven others who were still missing.

The two SH-60K aircraft from the

Maritime Self-defence Force were carrying four crew each and lost contact near Torishima island, about 370 miles (600km) south of Tokyo, late on Saturday, Defence Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known, but officials believe it is “highly likely” the two helicopters collided with each other before crashing into the water, Mr Kihara said.

The navy chief of staff, Admiral Ryo Sakai, said training will be suspended until the cause of the accident is determined and preventative measures are adopted.

Rescuers have recovered a flight data recorder, a blade from each helicopter, and fragments believed to be from both aircraft in the same area, signs that the two SH-60KS were flying close to each other, Mr Kihara said.

Maldivians were voting in parliamentary elections yesterday, in a ballot crucial for President Mohamed Muizzu, whose policies are keenly watched by India and China as they vie for influence in the archipelago nation.

Both countries are seeking a foothold in the Maldives, which has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean.

Mr Muizzu’s election as president last year sharpened the rivalry between India and China, with the new leader taking a pro-china stance and acting to remove Indian troops stationed on one of the country’s islets.

Securing a majority in Parliament will be tough for the president because some of his allies have fallen out and more parties entered the race.

Six political parties and independent groups are fielding 368 candidates for 93 seats in Parliament. That is six more seats than the previous parliament following adjustments for population growth.

Two children are dead and a further 15 people have been injured after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a birthday party at a boat club, a Michigan sheriff said.

The two children who died at the scene on Saturday were a brother and sister, an eight-yearold girl and her five-yearold brother.

Several people were seriously injured, according to Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough.

“The scene was described by the first responders as extremely chaotic, with high level of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident,” he said.

Three children and six adults were taken to area hospitals, some with lifethreatening injuries.

A 66-year-old woman was behind the wheel of the vehicle when she crashed and travelled 25 feet into the building.

The incident occurred at about 3pm at the Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township, about 30 miles south of Detroit.