Sources in Japan's Defense Ministry say a search is underway for two Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopters after contact was lost near Torishima in the Izu Islands at around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday.
There is information that a total of eight people were on board what appeared to be SH-60K helicopters.
The SH-60K aircraft, as shown on the MSDF website, are about 20 meters long and 16 meters wide, with two engines, and can carry up to four occupants.