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

Japan’s Ministry of Defence said: “Today (the 20th), around midday, a distress signal was received from a private small helicopter at Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture.

“As a result, at 1229 today, the Director of the Tokyo Airport Office requested the Commander of the Western Air Defense Force (Kasuga) of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to dispatch for the search and rescue of the occupants.

“In response, the Ashiya Air Rescue Squadron and Nyutabaru Air Rescue Squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force have commenced search and rescue operations from the air using U-125 and UH-60 aircraft. We will coordinate with relevant organizations and respond with full effort.”