U.S. and Japanese divers have found wreckage and the remains of five crew members from a U.S. Air Force Osprey aircraft that crashed off the coast of southwestern Japan. The crash occurred during a training mission last Wednesday, with the aircraft carrying eight American personnel. The body of one victim was previously identified, while two of the five newly-located remains have been recovered. Meanwhile, the search is ongoing for the two people who are still missing.
The U.S. military has stated that the main priority is bringing the Airmen home and providing support to their families. In the statement released by the Air Force Special Operations Command, the importance of maintaining privacy for those impacted by the incident was emphasized, confirming the identity of one confirmed victim as Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher.
The crash took place around 30 meters deep in the ocean. The Osprey, a hybrid aircraft that can take off and land like a helicopter but fly much faster like an airplane, has raised concerns of safety in the past. The suspension of Japan’s Osprey fleet following the incident prompted discussions regarding the safety of the aircraft, with the Japanese government engaging in dialogue with the U.S. military regarding the potential resumption of flights. Parts of the wreckage collected at the crash site are currently under examination. However, Japan is unable to independently investigate the cause of the accident, as the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement prohibits Japanese authorities from seizing or probing U.S. military property unless approved by the U.S.