TOKYO: Three people died after a medical helicopter crashed into the sea in southwestern Japan, the Coast Guard said on Monday.

A total of six passengers traveled from Tsushima Island on Nagasaki Island to a hospital in Fukuoka City on Sunday afternoon.

Ryuji Tominaga, the head of the hospital, told reporters that the accident was “completely heartbreaking”.

A few hours after losing communication, a patrol boat and helicopter discovered six passengers together.

The 86-year-old patient, a 68-year-old family member and a 34-year-old doctor, was later confirmed dead, the Japanese Coast Guard said.

It added that the other three were considered to be conscious about insisting on helicopters.

An official with the helicopter operator said Monday that the pilots and mechanics on board were experienced and that the weather did not appear to be a flight issue.

He added that the National Maritime Safety Commission will conduct an investigation.

According to Asahi Shimbun Daily, a helicopter operated by the same company crashed into farmland in the Fukuka area and killed two people last July.