An uninflated life raft found in waters off Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture had been aboard a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter that disappeared from radar on Thursday with 10 people aboard, the GSDF announced Friday.
Several aircraft parts have been found in the area, suggesting the helicopter crashed into the sea.
SDF ships and aircraft have been dispatched to the area to search for the helicopter and crew, and four vessels from the Miyakojima Coast Guard Office are also involved in rescue efforts.
