The Self-Defense Forces began preparations Saturday to resume a saturation dive to recover the remains of a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter and the 10 personnel aboard that were lost 10 days ago off Miyako Island, Okinawa Prefecture.
Sonar readings and underwater cameras have detected what is believed to be the fuselage of the helicopter and several bodies on the seabed in 100-meter deep waters. The GSDF plans to send a saturation dive team to the area for visual confirmation before launching a recovery operation.
The GSDF UH-60JA multipurpose helicopter was carrying 10 personnel, including Lt. Gen. Yuichi Sakamoto, from the GSDF's 8th Division when it disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff from Miyako Island on April 6.
