According to the local officials, five wounded American marines were transferred to the hospital in critical condition.
Local authorities said on Sunday that a US military helicopter carrying 23 American marines crashed off the coast of Australia, killing at least three service men and injuring all the others.
The Marine Rotational Force-Darwin said in a statement that the incident involved an MV-22B Osprey aircraft, which crashed on Melville Island in the country’s north at about 9:30am local time. The helicopter was “transporting troops during a routine training exercise,” according to the department, when the crash happened during the Predators Run drill.
It also added that the inquiry into the crash’s cause is underway. “Three have been confirmed deceased while five others were transported to Royal Darwin Hospital in serious condition,” it said.
More than 2,500 soldiers from Australia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Indonesia will participate in the Predators Run exercise in 2023.
According to Australian Defence Force statements cited by Sky News, the incident appears to have only involved US military personnel. Our attention is on the incident response and safeguarding the safety of individuals affected at this crucial early stage, it continued.
Natasha Fyles, the chief minister of the Northern Territory, later verified media reports that those aboard were American service members, adding that they had suffered “a wide range of injuries.” One of the injured people is in critical condition, according to ABC, which cited local emergency personnel.
The event, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, was “regrettable,” and Canberra authorities continue to communicate with their American counterparts.
In light of the tragedy, the Predators Run workout will reportedly be temporarily discontinued.
In an effort to dissuade China in the Pacific, the US and Australia decided last month to increase Washington’s military presence on the continent. This incident followed that decision. Longer visits by American submarines and a regular rotation of US Army watercraft were two examples of the enhanced cooperation.
The two countries also conducted significant military exercises called Talisman Sabre at the period, involving over 34,000 soldiers. In any case, the games were suspended after a four-soldier Australian MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crashed off the nation’s northern coast.
