This post has been updated with a new statement from III MEF.
A search is on for three U.S. Marines who are missing following an MV-22 mishap off the coast of Australia at about 2 a.m. EST, according to an early Saturday statement from III Marine Expeditionary Force.
According to the statement from III MEF, small boats and aircraft from the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are looking for the missing Marines in an ongoing search and rescue operation off of the east coast of the country. Twenty-three Marines were rescued following the mishap.
“The MV-22 was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The aircraft involved in the mishap had launched from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) and was conducting regularly scheduled operations when the aircraft entered the water,” read the statement.
“The ship’s small boats and aircraft immediately responded in the search and rescue efforts. The 31st MEU is currently operating with the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group as part of a regularly-scheduled deployment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”
A statement from the Australian Minister of Defence said there were no Australian forces aboard.
“I have been advised of an incident involving a United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey helicopter off the coast of Shoalwater Bay today,” said Marise Payne in a statement.
“I can confirm no Australian Defence Force personnel were on board the aircraft. The United States are leading the search and recovery effort.”
According to an NBC News report, the MV-22 was on approach to USS Green Bay (LPD-20) when the accident occurred. The aircraft mishap also resulted in damage to Green Bay’s flight deck.
The Okinawa, Japan-based 31st MEU and the Bonhomme Richard ESG have been operating off of Australia for the last several weeks as part of the Talisman Saber exercise in the Coral Sea.
The incident is currently under investigation.
The following are the complete statements from III MEF and the Marise Payne.
III MEF:
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – Search and rescue operations continue for three U.S. Marines that were aboard an MV-22 Osprey involved in a mishap off of the east coast of Australia around 4:00 p.m. Aug. 5. Twenty-three of 26 personnel aboard have been rescued.
The MV-22 was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The aircraft involved in the mishap had launched from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and was conducting regularly scheduled operations when the aircraft entered the water.
The ship’s small boats and aircraft immediately responded in the search and rescue efforts. The 31st MEU is currently operating with the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group as part of a regularly-scheduled deployment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
The circumstances of the mishap are currently under investigation.
Payne:
I have been advised of an incident involving a United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey helicopter off the coast of Shoalwater Bay today.
I can confirm no Australian Defence Force personnel were on board the aircraft.
The United States are leading the search and recovery effort.
I have briefed Prime Minister Turnbull and spoken with Secretary Mattis this evening to offer Australia’s support in anyway that can be of assistance.
Our thoughts are with the crew and families affected.
