TOKYO: Rescuers have plucked eight people to safety south of Japan after a US Navy aircraft with 11 people on board came down in the Philippine Sea, the latest accident to hit American armed forces in East Asia.

Japanese and American forces scrambled to reach the downed C2-A “Greyhound” aircraft in waters off the remote uninhabited Japanese reef of Okinotori on Wednesday.

The US Navy said the rescued personnel were transferred to USS Ronald Reagan for medical evaluation and were in good condition.

“Search and rescue efforts for three personnel continue with US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force ships and aircraft on scene,” the US navy said in a statement, adding that the incident will be investigated.

US President Donald Trump tweeted: “The @USNavy is conducting search and rescue following aircraft crash. We are monitoring the situation. Prayers for all involved.” US authorities told Japan that engine trouble was the suspected cause of the accident.

“The aircraft was conducting a routine transport flight carrying passengers and cargo from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni to USS Ronald Reagan,” the statement said.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2017