A medical transport helicopter carrying six people, including patients and doctors, went missing off the coast of Iki Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, on April 6, 2025. The helicopter, operated by Fukuoka Wajiro Hospital, was found overturned approximately 27 kilometers northeast of Iki Island later that day. Tragically, three individuals have been confirmed dead, including a doctor and a patient attendant.
On April 7, the Tangjin Coast Guard announced that two of the passengers who were in cardiopulmonary arrest had died, raising the death toll to three. The deceased were identified as 34-year-old Dr. Araka Wakei and 68-year-old patient attendant Motoishi Kazuyo. The helicopter was en route to transport 86-year-old Motoishi Mitsuko from Tsushima City to Fukuoka Wajiro Hospital when it lost contact about an hour after takeoff.
The helicopter departed at 1:30 PM on April 6, and around 2:50 PM, reports indicated it had gone missing. The Coast Guard launched a search and discovered the overturned helicopter around 5 PM, rescuing all six people onboard. Unfortunately, the death of Motoishi Mitsuko was also confirmed later.
Among the survivors were the 66-year-old male captain, a 67-year-old male mechanic, and a 28-year-old female nurse, all of whom are currently receiving treatment for suspected hypothermia at Fukuoka Wajiro Hospital. The hospital had been using the services of Saga Aviation for medical transport since July 2019, conducting around 80 patient transports annually.
However, the hospital had previously suspended operations after a separate fatal accident involving a Saga Aviation helicopter in July 2024, which resulted in the deaths of two crew members. Following that incident, the hospital sought assurances regarding safety before resuming operations approximately five months ago. Saga Aviation assured the hospital that the helicopter involved in the earlier accident was different and posed no safety concerns.
Hospital Director Takaji Tominaga expressed his grief during an emergency press conference held on the night of the accident. He stated, "Important patients and hospital staff were on board. I am truly filled with grief." He confirmed that all six individuals had been transported to the hospital and that efforts were being made to provide life-saving treatment to those in critical condition.
According to Saga Aviation, there were no abnormalities detected during a routine inspection conducted just two days before the accident, nor were there any health issues with the captain. The company’s representative stated, "The cause of the accident is completely unknown," and emphasized that they had taken measures to prevent future occurrences.
The Japan Transport Safety Board has initiated an investigation into the incident, designating two air accident investigators to begin their work on April 7. The overturned helicopter is expected to be salvaged in the near future.
This tragic event has raised concerns about the safety of medical transport operations, particularly given the history of accidents involving Saga Aviation. In December 2004, a crash in Saga Prefecture resulted in the deaths of three passengers, and another incident in July 2008 saw a helicopter managed by the same company crash in Omura Bay, leading to injuries and fatalities.
As the investigation unfolds, the hospital and the operating company will be under scrutiny regarding their safety practices and protocols. The accident has cast a shadow over the vital service of medical air transport, especially in remote areas where such services are critical.
In the wake of this incident, the community is left mourning the loss of life while also grappling with the implications for future medical transport operations. The hospital's commitment to patient care remains steadfast, but the challenges of ensuring safety in the air remain a pressing concern.
As the nation watches the developments of this investigation, the hope is that lessons will be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The families of the victims are undoubtedly seeking answers and accountability as they navigate their grief during this difficult time.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in medical transport and the importance of stringent safety measures. The lives of patients and medical staff depend on the reliability and safety of these operations, making it imperative that all necessary steps are taken to ensure their protection.
As the community rallies around the affected families, support and solidarity are crucial in the healing process. The impact of this tragedy will resonate far beyond the immediate loss, affecting relationships, trust in medical services, and the overall approach to safety in air transport.
In summary, the helicopter accident off Iki Island has resulted in the tragic loss of three lives, raising serious questions about the safety protocols of medical transport operations. With investigations underway, the hope is that such incidents can be prevented in the future, ensuring that medical professionals can continue to provide essential care without compromising safety.
