A South Korean helicopter has reportedly crashed near the Takeshima Islands in the Sea of Japan. South Korea controls the islands. Japan claims them.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency says that the fire department helicopter carrying seven people crashed into the sea about 200 to 300 meters off the islands on Thursday night.

South Korean naval ships are searching the area.

The helicopter was reportedly carrying an injured person from a nearby fishing boat.

South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon has ordered available ships in the area to join the search and rescue operation.

nhk