Two military plane crash mid-air while refueling in Japan; 6 US Marines military personnel missing

Two U.S. Military Corps aircraft reportedly crashed mid-air during refuelling operation off the coast of Japan after which 6 marines are missing. The rescue operation were underway on Thursday for the 6 missing marines, US officials said.

One serviceman of the seven Marines have already been rescued and is said to be in a stable condition, Takeshi Iwaya told reporters. "US military and the Japanese Self-Defense planes and vessels are searching for those still missing... I hope all the members will be rescued safely as soon as possible," Iwaya added.

In a statement, the Marine Corps said that the incident occurred at 2 am local time in Japan on Thursday (1700 GMT Wednesday) about 200 miles (322 km) off the Japanese coast. “The circumstances of the mishap are currently under investigation,” said Marine Corps.

“The aircraft, a KC-130 Hercules refuelling aircraft and an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, had launched from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and were conducting regular training when there was a "mishap," the Marine Corps said.

One of the crew member rescued had been in a fighter jet. Nine aircraft and three vessels for the search operation has been deployed by Japan's Self-Defense Forces.

"We are thankful for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's efforts as they immediately responded in the search and rescue operation," the Marines said.

Also read: