Three out of six people onboard an ambulance helicopter died after it crashed into the sea off southwestern Japan, according to the Japan Coast Guard.
The fatalities include 86-year-old patient Mitsuki Motoishi, his caretaker Kazuyoshi Motoishi, and medical doctor Kei Arakawa.
Meanwhile, three others were rescued: the pilot, Hiroshi Hamada; helicopter mechanic Kazuto Yoshitake; and 28-year-old nurse Sakura Kunitake.
The tragedy occurred while the helicopter was en route to a hospital in Fukuoka, transporting the patient from an airport in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
