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Aug 31, 2023Sky News Australia has learned of a military helicopter crash off the coast of Darwin, as an emergency search for unaccounted personnel begins.
A military helicopter carrying around 20 US Marines has crashed during an exercise off the coast of Darwin.
Sky News has confirmed that around 11:00am local time, the Osprey Helicopter crashed near Melville Island during ‘Predators Run’ drills, which involve personnel from Australia, the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste.
Sources have told Sky News it is “possible” casualties may result from the crash, as some personnel remain unaccounted for.
The Australian Defence Force has confirmed that there were no Australians on board the helicopter when it went down.
"Initial reports suggest the incident involves United States defence personnel and that the Australian Defence Force members were not involved," the ADF said in a statement.
"At this critical early stage, our focus is on the incident response and ensuring the safety of those involved. More information will be provided when appropriate."
CareFlight jets have been spotted leaving Darwin airport for the major rescue operation and Royal Darwin Hospital is gearing up to treat any people involved in the crash.
Northern Territory Police have issued a brief statement confirming that they are "currently responding to reports of an aircraft crash on Melville Island".
Sky News understands Predators run exercises will be paused following the crash.
There are roughly 2500 people involved in these exercises, with 500 from the United States, 120 from the Philippines, 120 from Indonesia and 50 from Timor Leste.
It comes a month after the MRH90 Taipan chopper crashed into the ocean off the Whitsundays with four defence personnel onboard.
The four soldiers - Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs - were killed during the July 28 night training exercise.
ADF divers have since recovered personal effects, wreckage from the helicopter and the voice and flight data recorder.
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