8 rescued, 3 still missing after Navy plane crashes in Pacific

TOKYO — Eight people were rescued while three remained missing after a U.S. Navy plane crashed Wednesday into the Pacific Ocean, the Navy said.

The C-2 “Greyhound” transport aircraft came down about 575 miles southeast of Okinawa as it was bringing passengers and cargo from Japan to the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, the Navy said.

The Reagan was operating in the Philippine Sea during a joint exercise with Japan’s Maritime SelfDefense Force when the twin-propeller plane crashed at 2:45 p.m. Japan time. The cause of the crash was not clear, the Navy said.

Eight people were rescued about 40 minutes later. They were taken to the Reagan for medical evaluation and are in good condition, the Navy said.

U.S. and Japanese naval ships and aircraft are searching for the missing. Japan’s Defense Ministry said the crash site is about 90 miles northwest of Okinotorishima, a Japanese atoll.

The White House said President Donald Trump had been briefed on the crash. Trump tweeted: “We are monitoring the situation. Prayers for all involved.”

The Nov. 16-26 joint exercise in waters off Okinawa has been described by the Navy as the “premier training event” between the U.S. and Japanese navies, designed to increase defensive readiness and interoperability in air and sea operations.

The Navy’s Japan-based 7th Fleet has had two fatal accidents in Asian waters this year, leaving 17 sailors dead and prompting the removal of eight top Navy officers from their posts, including the 7th Fleet commander.