A medical transport helicopter carrying six people, including a patient, went missing off the east coast of Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture, on April 6, 2025. The helicopter, operated by ES Geo Sea Saga Aviation, departed from Tsushima Airport at approximately 1:30 PM, aiming to transport an 80-year-old female patient to Fukuoka Wajiro Hospital. However, contact was lost shortly after takeoff, and the helicopter was reported missing around 2:50 PM.
According to the 7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, the helicopter was discovered overturned in the sea about 27 kilometers northeast of Tsushima Island around 5:00 PM. A patrol boat found three of the six individuals on board clinging to emergency floats. These three were identified as the pilot, a mechanic, and a nurse, and were rescued with symptoms of hypothermia. They were subsequently transported to a hospital in Fukuoka City.
The remaining three individuals on board included the patient, her 60-year-old male attendant, and a doctor in his 30s. Unfortunately, upon their rescue from inside the helicopter, both the patient and the male attendant were found to be in cardiopulmonary arrest. The patient, identified as Mitsuko Motoishi, was later confirmed deceased.
Fukuoka Wajiro Hospital, which was expecting the patient, held a press conference where the hospital director, Takaharu Tominaga, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "This accident is extremely painful." The hospital has temporarily suspended operations following the tragedy, reflecting on the severe implications of the accident.
This incident marks a troubling chapter for ES Geo Sea Saga Aviation, as the company had previously experienced a fatal accident in July 2024, when another helicopter it operated crashed in Yanagawa City, resulting in two fatalities. Following that incident, the company had suspended operations of its medical transport helicopters to assess safety protocols.
As the Coast Guard continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, they have established a task force to determine the cause of the accident. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is also involved in the inquiry, focusing on whether the helicopter crashed due to mechanical failure or other operational issues.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reportedly clear in Tsushima City, although a strong wind warning was in effect at sea. This raises questions about the possible impact of weather on the helicopter's flight path and subsequent crash.
The helicopter was equipped with two EC135 engines and had a maximum capacity of seven individuals, including the pilot. It was specifically designated for medical transport purposes, serving a critical role in the region's healthcare system by facilitating timely transfers of patients to specialized facilities.
Local officials have emphasized the importance of ensuring patient transport safety in light of the recent accident. Shintaro Inoguchi, Director of the Nagasaki Prefectural Medical Policy Division, stated, "We take this accident as a very serious matter and are suspending it. In the future, we will use the prefectural doctor helicopter or cooperate with Saga Prefecture to ensure that there are no obstacles to the transport of patients, and at the same time, we want to work to ensure that safety is maintained for the prefectural doctor helicopter."
The tragic loss of life and the critical condition of the survivors have cast a shadow over the healthcare community in Nagasaki Prefecture. The helicopter's role in transporting patients is vital, and the repercussions of this incident will likely lead to increased scrutiny of operational safety measures and protocols within the medical transport sector.
As the investigation unfolds, the families of those affected by the crash are left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event. The community is rallying around them, offering support and condolences as they navigate this challenging time.
In summary, the helicopter accident off Tsushima has not only resulted in the loss of a life but has also raised significant concerns regarding the safety of medical transport operations in the region. The outcomes of the ongoing investigations will be critical in shaping future practices and ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again.
