The body of the pilot of a Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol helicopter was found Monday off Aomori Prefecture, a day after the aircraft crashed into the sea, the MSDF said.

The body of 37-year-old Lt. Cmdr. Masahiko Miyanaga was found on the seabed near the wrecked helicopter at a depth of 50 meters, the MSDF said. Six other crew members were rescued Sunday and were listed in satisfactory condition.

Their SH-60 helicopter crashed into the sea at around 11:05 a.m. in Mutsu Bay when it hit the side of the destroyer Matsuyuki. The chopper had left its base in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture, earlier in the morning to observe the departure of a training flotilla that included the Matsuyuki.