US Marines killed in helicopter crash during Australia drills

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Aug 2023 08:10

Five remain in a serious condition.

Three MV-22 Osprey aircraft were photographed off Sydney in June 2023 (AFP)

Three US Marines have died after an Osprey aircraft crashed Sunday on a remote tropical island north of Australia’s mainland, US military officials said.

“There were a total of 23 personnel on board. Three have been confirmed deceased while five others were transported to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious condition,” a US Marines official said in a statement.

The aircraft crashed during a military exercise in Australia’s Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin, on Sunday.

Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said those injured were “23 US Marine Corps soldiers and we are doing everything we can to return them [all] safely back to Darwin for treatment’."

“Additional police and defence personnel have been deployed to Melville Island to support operations, triage injured people and return them to Darwin and also maintain the crash scene while investigations continue,” Murphy said.

A V-22 Osprey military helicopter, transporting approximately 23 US Marines, has crashed while participating in the Predators Run exercises near Darwin, a northern city in Australia, Sky News Australia reported on Sunday, citing sources.

The helicopter crash occurred at 01:30 GMT near Melville Island, the broadcaster reported earlier, adding that the incident may have killed people, as some personnel remain missing.

The aircraft was involved in drills near the Tiwi Islands north of Darwin, and several people have reportedly been rescued, according to Australian public broadcaster ABC.

ABC News reported that several US marines have been rescued, adding that there is no information about the victims as a result of the incident.

Australia's Defense Department confirmed the Osprey vertical takeoff aircraft had been carrying US "defense personnel" and said that it appeared no Australian soldiers were involved.

"At this critical early stage, our focus is on the incident response and ensuring the safety of those involved," the Department said in a statement.

The military drills, which involve military from the United States, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste, will be suspended due to the crash, the report stated.