Four Australian Crew Members Feared Dead After Helicopter Crashes During Military Exercise With US: Report

Following the incident, Defence Minister Richard Marles said the search was underway for the four crew of the Australian Army helicopter.

Four Australian defence personnel are feared dead after their helicopter, which was involved in a military exercise with the US, crashed into the ocean off the coast of Queensland. Police said debris from the downed Australian military helicopter has been found, AFP reported.

Speaking at a press conference in Brisbane on Saturday, Marles said that the helicopter was engaged in a two-helicopter mission. “We meet this day with a heavy heart. Last night, just after 10.30 p.m., an Australian Army helicopter, an MRH-90, ditched in waters close to Hamilton Island. The helicopter was engaging in a two-helicopter mission,” Marles said, as quoted by CNN.

“There were four air crew aboard. Because there was another helicopter present, a search and rescue operation was able to commence immediately. As we speak to you now, the four-air crew are yet to be found. The search and rescue continues,” he added. According to the Australian Defence Ministry, a search and rescue operation involving both search and rescue aircraft and sea vessels is underway.

The aircraft “impacted waters” near Lindeman Island, off the coast of the state of Queensland, CNN reported. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said their “thoughts are with the loved ones of the missing” in a joint statement with Marles, also the deputy prime minister. “All Australians hold them in our hearts, and we hold onto hope as the search and rescue teams go about their work right now. We have the utmost confidence in their professionalism and skill,” it said.

The mission was being carried out as a part of large-scale military drills that include the US, known as Talisman Sabre, CNN reported. The drills take place every other year. Marles said the families of the four missing crew members have been informed about the incident. Talisman Sabre Exercise Director Brigadier Damien Hill said that the military exercises have been paused to allow all participants “regardless of their nation, to reach out and let their families know what is going on”, as reported by CNN.

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